Soil Is Sexy with Andie Marsh
Andie Marsh with TX Soil Sisters in the KLKT studio.
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Hi, y’all! Johanna here from the TX Soil Sisters.
(Show below w/ links of things we talk about. Or skip my fluff and listen here.)
Crystal and I were were thrilled to host Andie Marsh in the KLKT studio in Lockhart, TX, for a recent Soil Sisters discussion.
Andie Marsh is a soil health practitioner and founder of Rhizos, LLC. Rhizos was born out of a deep-rooted passion for soil and the life it supports. Andie’s journey to this work started in 2012 at Texas A&M University when a soil microbiology course opened her eyes to the hidden world beneath our feet. A year later, while interning at a vermicompost facility, she became hooked on composting and urban farming. What she’s since learned, is that soil life is not a given—it must be stewarded.
Andie shares her approach to improving soil health - from backyard gardens to farmland - using a microscope to assess soil microbiomes and methods for addressing soil issues. The conversation covers the impact of biological restoration, delving into Johnson Su bioreactors and other composting techniques, the role of fungi in soil health, and the importance of maintaining predator-prey balance in soil ecosystems.
The episode also explores practical tools for gardeners and the impact of regenerative agriculture on climate change. We discuss an innovative on-farm trial proposal using industrial hemp and regenerative conservation practices to enhance soil health. This chat underscores the collaboration required for sustainable land stewardship and the critical role of soil biology.
Happy farming and healthy living, y’all!
Love,
Jo (and Crystal) ❤️
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listen to the Podcast
Andie Marsh, founder of Rhizos, LLC | Connect on Social: @soilissexy
Time Stamps and Links
Work With Andie Marsh: https://www.rhizos.science/
Subscribe to Andie Marsh's Substack: https://substack.com/@soilissexy
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00:00 Welcome to the Soil Sisters Podcast
00:08 Andie Marsh's Background and Expertise
02:34 The Impact of Soil Health Practices
06:21 Mushrooms and Soil Health
11:14 Practical Soil Management Tips
21:14 Soil Health Principles and On-Farm Trials
27:35 High-Level Basics of Soil Testing
28:45 Composting Methods: Johnson Su and Vermi-Compost
29:07 Building a Johnson Su Bioreactor
37:54 Compost Extract vs. Compost Tea
39:10 Managing Weeds and Soil Health
44:06 Microscope Use in Soil Analysis
49:15 Essential Tools for Composting
50:40 Concluding Thoughts and Future Collaborations
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Soil Sisters Radio Hour on KLKT 107.9, Radio Lockhart
If you live in Lockhart, you can catch the Soil Sisters Radio Hour live each WEDNESDAY from 5-6p on KLKT 107.9. If you don’t, listen to the livestream at KLKT.org.