Soil Science for Gardeners: Working with Nature to Build Soil Health

By Robert Pavlis

Weak plants, poor yields, and conflicting soil advice? The solution starts underground.

Healthy gardens are built on living, balanced soil. Soil Science for Gardeners explains how soil truly functions so you can grow stronger plants, improve yields, and reduce costly guesswork.

When you understand soil biology, chemistry, and structure, you stop chasing quick fixes and start building long-term fertility.

What You'll Gain

How to interpret soil tests and confidently adjust nutrients
How microbes and fungi improve plant resilience and nutrient uptake
How to use organic matter to enhance drainage and soil structure
How to correct common soil imbalances without over-fertilizing
How to build a long-term soil improvement plan that actually works

Rather than repeating popular myths, this guide draws directly from soil science to give you practical, evidence-based clarity.

Practical Soil Improvement

You'll learn how to:

Improve clay or sandy soils using targeted strategies
Strengthen root development through balanced soil ecosystems
Support beneficial microorganisms naturally
Increase nutrient efficiency while reducing waste
Create stable, regenerative soil systems

If you've ever wondered why some gardens thrive effortlessly while others struggle despite effort, this book will change how you see your soil.

Who This Book is For

Gardeners ready to move beyond trial and error Organic and regenerative growers Market gardeners improving long-term fertility Readers who value science-backed guidance Anyone seeking healthier plants through healthier soil

Build living soil. Grow stronger plants. Garden with confidence grounded in science.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0865719306
• ISBN13: 9780865719309
• Release Date: April 2020
• Publisher: New Society Publishers
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Must Read

If you read one book about soil....make it this one. Concise, informative, and easy to comprehend. Robert Pavlis does a masterful job of explaining what goes on in the soil and how gardeners can use that information to ensure healthy plants and soil life. Based on science and his expertise as a chemist and accomplished gardener, he breaks it down so anyone can understand and implement good soil practices which will enrich your garden and overall soil health. If you love the earth, then this book will be your go to resource for a lifetime. A book you will share but not lend...lest you be without. Get this book. I guarantee you'll be glad you did.