Mike,
Welcome to Permies.
Not everyone will agree on that to do first, but I will give you my answers to your question. Degraded soil needs organic matter. Organic matter is needed to
feed the micro organisms that make dirt into soil.
Compost compost compost. I like just straight grass clippings. it has almost the ideal
carbon to nitrogen ratio. Breaks down quickly and can start feeding the life in your soil right way.
Next, stop turning the soil. Don't plow, till or turn the garden. Soil biology is killed by sunlight and too much oxygen. Feed the soil and keep it covered. Conveniently, the grass clippings will do both at the same time. You can research the "back to Eden" technique to learn more. A lot of people have had mixed or poor results with
wood chips, because the woody fiber ties up nitrogen for the first year or two. However, the technique works with any mulch including rocks,
straw, or
cardboard. It is just most often associated with wood chips.
Next is get a living
root in the ground, even if it is not harvested. The concept is also known as 'green manure'. The
roots will produce exudates (sugars released by the plant's photo synthesis) to begin the symbiotic relationship between fungi and the plant. Plant something, even if it is late in the season. Rye grass seed germinates quickly and will get roots in the ground quickly until it turns cold. Kills out in the spring easily for a more beneficial plant.
Another method to help kick start the process is to use compost tea to put life in the soil and feed it while colonizing roots. Lots of youtube and other info sources on compost tea.
Please ask any questions. We are always glad to offer our opinions. Cheers.
Forgot to add that fungi (
mushrooms) are believed to be good at chemical remediation. Not my field so won't blow smoke, but perhaps a topic to research more if you are worried about pesticide residue.
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