For a seed to grow and bear abundant fruit, it must fall on good soil. Once it takes root, it can no longer move—so the kind of soil it lands in is crucial to its growth. But what exactly makes soil good for a plant?
The fertility or barrenness of land is determined by the quality of its soil. Good soil has excellent drainage and aeration, allowing water and oxygen to move freely, and it teems with microorganisms. Much like gut bacteria that support our immune system, these microbes break down organic matter, supply nutrients to plants, and help protect them from disease and pests. Their activity also improves the soil’s structure, naturally enhancing both drainage and airflow. When chemical fertilizers or pesticides are overused and these organisms die off, the soil hardens—and in hardened soil, plants struggle to grow. In short, living, active soil is good soil.
When the soil is healthy, more than half the work of farming is already done. That is why a true farmer does not focus solely on the crops, but also cares deeply for the land. Just as our hearts are often compared to fields, perhaps tending to the soil of the mind will also bring about a fruitful harvest in whatever we pursue.
15