Prior to European settlement, it is likely most of the mid-Atlantic grasslands were native warm season species, such as Bluestem and Indiangrass. Warm season species grow quickly in the heat of the Summer, unlike cool season species that grow quickly in the Spring and Fall. Many insects depend on warm season grasses for their survival. Warm season grasses also have root system many feet deep, rather than the few inches of cool season grasses. These deep roots can store more carbon than cool season grasses under the right conditions.
Legumes, such as clover, can provide nitrogen to annual plants and nutrient started grasses, under conditions where plant family biodiversity is low. With lots of the nitrogen from synthetic fertilizers washing into nearby streams and rivers, causing dead zones, the use of legumes as companion plants in agricultural and residential settings can be a helpful strategy to restore our waterways.
Our pollinators need wildflowers to thrive. And some wildflowers, such as Sunflowers, provide important nutrients for when included as part of pasture plant species for horses.
Recent research indicates that it is the action of a minimum of four grassland plant families that provides all the essential nutrients and minerals needed by most plants in most soil types. This means that in many situations, fertilizers and pesticides are not needed – if there is adequate biodiversity.
SoilKeepers serves customers concerned about the value, health, beauty, and ecological friendliness of their properties. Unlike many conventional landscape management methods, our goal is to stimulate for our clients a self-healing and self-supporting ecosystem that eventually manages itself. Such grassland ecosystems cost the least to maintain over the long-term and provide co-benefits for biodiversity and for our climate. Our region-specific approach will give you the best long no matter where you are.
Each of our projects effectively “wilds” the soil ecosystem and often plant species by increasing native biological diversity. Climate scientists agree that increasing biological diversity of our soils ecosystems is one of the least expensive ways to reduce greenhouse gasses.
Our own health and the health of our entire world is calling us to better manage our lands and water. There are many, many ways to accomplish this, depending on project location, project goals, etc. We love to brainstorm projects with clients at no charge for initial consultation. Don’t hesitate to contact us at 540-672-2542 or send a message to soilkeepers@americanclimatepartners.org.