Vegetables are very important to our food system, and play an important part in everyday nutrition. However, over the years, the nutrients provided by vegetables have continuously declined and this is mainly caused by soil depletion. Soil depletion occurs when the components which contribute to fertility are removed and not replaced. This leads to poor crop yields. In agriculture, depletion is caused by too much cultivation and lack of soil management. A study by Donald Davis from the University of Texas showed that from the 1950 to 1999 there has been “reliable declines” in the amount of “protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, riboflavin and vitamin C” over the past 50 years. 

Another example was what happened in Colonial New England, where colonists allowed herd animals to move about without replenishing the soils with manure which in the long run led to erosion. This is not to say we should avoid eating vegetables and fruits. “Vegetables are extraordinarily rich in nutrients and beneficial phytochemicals,” but the overall decline of nutrients and how to prevent that from happening further is the key aspect to focus on.

To ensure vegetables preserve their nutrients right from when they are harvested, we have to ensure that everything possible is done to maintain the soil fertility. This includes; applying mulches to the soil which is done by putting dead leaves and shredded wood on the soil. It acts as  an effective covering for the trees and plants against extreme weathers, It also allows water to reach the soil slowly, therefore reducing the impact of rainfall. It also helps to prevent the soil from turning acidic and prevents weeds from growing. Mulches made from organic materials break down and increase the soil’s structure and fertility.

When it comes to soil depletion, mulching is the easiest way of preventing such because aside from the fact that it prevents the main cause of soil depletion, soil erosion from happening, it is also the easiest process as it involves using the plants at one’s disposal to protect the new ones from being wiped out. Aside from mulching, a very important way of preventing soil depletion is good internal drainage which allows sufficient air for root growth. To tackle the loss of vegetable nutrients, we have to start from the foundation.

By Lawrence Campbell