To burn or not to burn soil

To determine whether burned soil is a viable option for your garden, it is essential to understand the science behind it and explore its potential benefits and drawbacks. Photo: 123rf

Burning soil is a quick method for boosting soil fertility by rapidly releasing nutrients from organic matter. It can also be an effective way to sterilise the soil, clearing it of diseases and pests.

However, the soil burning process is more complex than it might seem at first glance.