Reading this reminds me how confused I was when I first began gardening in the desert some nine years ago. Winters were not cold enough to produce frost heave, and summers were too hot for worms; and I wondered how ever the soil would be naturally softened and loosened. I suppose part of the answer is that it isn't, hence the rapid flooding during rainy seasons. But the other answer is the presence of ants, which do a good deal of soil moving. I was just reminded of this while planting out a miniature rose this morning, when I disturbed a nest I hadn't even known was there. It's an uneasy alliance, as they bite mercilessly, but they do an extremely necessary job! So we get along fairly well.
I hope you don't mind this long comment on your wonderful post. Loved your snow pictures!
Thank you so much for sharing that, I absolutely loved reading about it. How fascinating, you are right about your observation with the ants. The other thing you mention too are the plants, and as well as their above ground material, their roots will be growing and dying, moving and changing the soil slowly overtime. Breaking it up. Holding it together for the ants to live within. Very interesting to think about in such a different climate and habitat. Thanks again.
Never heard of frost heave, and very excited to hear about it now! It helps me understand how and why the frost, thaw cycle is so important to good soil structure when there's organic matter present. Great article, thank you Jack
Yes, it's fascinating and this was the most pronounced I've seen. I guess the more organic matter, the more moisture soil can retain like a sponge. It will be interesting to hear what you spot in future.
Reading this reminds me how confused I was when I first began gardening in the desert some nine years ago. Winters were not cold enough to produce frost heave, and summers were too hot for worms; and I wondered how ever the soil would be naturally softened and loosened. I suppose part of the answer is that it isn't, hence the rapid flooding during rainy seasons. But the other answer is the presence of ants, which do a good deal of soil moving. I was just reminded of this while planting out a miniature rose this morning, when I disturbed a nest I hadn't even known was there. It's an uneasy alliance, as they bite mercilessly, but they do an extremely necessary job! So we get along fairly well.
I hope you don't mind this long comment on your wonderful post. Loved your snow pictures!
Thank you so much for sharing that, I absolutely loved reading about it. How fascinating, you are right about your observation with the ants. The other thing you mention too are the plants, and as well as their above ground material, their roots will be growing and dying, moving and changing the soil slowly overtime. Breaking it up. Holding it together for the ants to live within. Very interesting to think about in such a different climate and habitat. Thanks again.
It will help to think of the roots that way!
Never heard of frost heave, and very excited to hear about it now! It helps me understand how and why the frost, thaw cycle is so important to good soil structure when there's organic matter present. Great article, thank you Jack
Yes, it's fascinating and this was the most pronounced I've seen. I guess the more organic matter, the more moisture soil can retain like a sponge. It will be interesting to hear what you spot in future.