When to Feed Your Soil Biology – and Why Timing Matters
In Episode 3 of the Sea2Soil Podcast, James Warne of Soil First Farming described the soil’s microbial life as “livestock below the surface” - billions of unseen workers breaking down residues, cycling nutrients, and supporting crop growth. But, just like the livestock above ground, these microbes need to be fed.
The challenge for farmers isn’t only about what to feed them, but when.
The Spring Wake-Up
As temperatures rise in early spring, microbial life begins to stir after its winter dormancy. Add moisture from rainfall events, and suddenly the soil biology “switches back on.”
This is one of the best times to introduce products like Sea2Soil, supporting the biology at the moment when it’s ready to get to work. Feeding at this stage ensures microbes have energy available for residue breakdown and nutrient cycling right when crops need it most.
Summer Activity
Every rainfall event throughout the summer reinvigorates microbial activity. While dry spells may slow things down, regular feeding during these active phases helps maintain a thriving underground ecosystem. Think of it as topping up the energy levels of your soil workforce so they can keep releasing nutrients throughout the season.
Autumn and Cover Crops
Autumn presents another window of opportunity — provided there is moisture and soil warmth. With cover crops in the ground, feeding biology can pay dividends, supporting residue breakdown and nutrient cycling before winter sets in. In this way, the soil is still working for you even after the main crop has been harvested.
Winter Dormancy
When soil temperatures drop and biology slows into dormancy, feeding has less impact. The microbes are “asleep,” waiting for the warmer conditions of spring to return. That’s why timing matters: applying the right product at the wrong time risks missing the window where the biology is active enough to respond.
Why Timing Matters
Microbes don’t operate on a calendar — they respond to the environment. Temperature, rainfall, soil structure, and organic matter all play a role. By matching your feeding strategy to the soil’s biological rhythm, you can:
- Boost microbial activity at the most critical growth stages
- Improve nutrient cycling for stronger crop establishment
- Maximise the return on inputs like Sea2Soil
As James explained, soil management is always a balancing act. But understanding the “wake and sleep cycles” of your underground livestock is a powerful step toward healthier, more profitable soils.
Listen to Episode 3 of the Sea2Soil Podcast: Feeding the Underground Livestock