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Natural grass rolls are unrolled on ground for landscaping purposes by a man

<h2>Using Forest Gold Compost To Prep For Sod</h2><figure id="figure-fvkppujf0dmi88kkc4"><img id="fvkppujf0dmi88kkc4" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/5moHgU6Of9Z1smdMSAek4qBKllP2aodlrGJfFpVdMBmfF8JPKCDQQVqtgUqQE2ha.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/5moHgU6Of9Z1smdMSAek4qBKllP2aodlrGJfFpVdMBmfF8JPKCDQQVqtgUqQE2ha.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Turf is almost always undervalued when it comes soil prep budget. The cheapest compost is generally chosen because not much thought is given to the issues poor soil prep may cause down the road. Nutrition, water retention and weed load can very often be improved by using the proper techniques and the high quality materials.A client was looking to add new sod and irrigation to the backyard of the home that they had just moved in to. Their house was built five years prior, and their specific development started on farmland. The development project had stalled and the undeveloped land sat fallow and bare for 15 years before building resumed.&nbsp;The previous home owner had let weeds go rampant in the backyard for five years, and had only thrown down weed fabric and dyed mulch when they put the house on the market. The back yard had no irrigation and was completely covered in fabric and mulch. Goatheads and bindweed were the prominent weeds, popping up everywhere they had an opportunity.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-fjyvp5m2jdmi88duiq"><img id="fjyvp5m2jdmi88duiq" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/34KGQMbJ59XzuftZkagMnDWBZAf4wBPdQG7weBvOdrrTKQO142LYYcRQiqT0gZib.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/34KGQMbJ59XzuftZkagMnDWBZAf4wBPdQG7weBvOdrrTKQO142LYYcRQiqT0gZib.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><figure id="figure-w58p469nkami87b77c" class=""><img id="w58p469nkami87b77c" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/39cpTHwW4dAy9FgzbDeeOIGQ1JgFL9aMC2lFxaV41j7PskJGmUuj32JYgqe5CrQO.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/39cpTHwW4dAy9FgzbDeeOIGQ1JgFL9aMC2lFxaV41j7PskJGmUuj32JYgqe5CrQO.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>The Prep</h2>Mulch and weed fabric were removed from the area to be sodded, and Forest Gold compost was spread approximately 3" deep on top of the existing soil. Because there was no irrigation installed yet, broadforks were used to turn the soil to 14", incorporating the compost.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-2vrqw1jfemi88lnxp"><img id="2vrqw1jfemi88lnxp" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/19qoDnwTNhv53TiEUNfNow2xmTrURsma3tgB2IzcoM5ErRpkAxqI5md0KeYXGTCl.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/19qoDnwTNhv53TiEUNfNow2xmTrURsma3tgB2IzcoM5ErRpkAxqI5md0KeYXGTCl.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><figure id="figure-51l8fpb9ccmi86t5s3" class=""><img id="51l8fpb9ccmi86t5s3" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/8vyIGR306zYmpeGrmujvo93mXaEJBe1D7TlkS2waqAOegPnhgOT7nhmwWlF3O0Ii.jpg" alt="healthy turf" title="healthy turf" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/8vyIGR306zYmpeGrmujvo93mXaEJBe1D7TlkS2waqAOegPnhgOT7nhmwWlF3O0Ii.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><figure id="figure-fy8ks1wnykmi89p5x2"><img id="fy8ks1wnykmi89p5x2" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/37BzlV1wpZWZI1MQnYYIFdNY2EiBSg333rMiOf3tbi8tVltShYQmYnhoBlvaOkkK.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/37BzlV1wpZWZI1MQnYYIFdNY2EiBSg333rMiOf3tbi8tVltShYQmYnhoBlvaOkkK.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>The Final Till</h2>Irrigation was installed and a final till was performed with a rototiller at 3-4" deep. Fine grading was done, and sod was laid.<figure id="figure-bflrduhe59mi86tbgi"><img id="bflrduhe59mi86tbgi" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/24UhtniBoOg7gVJprqFwMYh4fehctAPxlu8RP5IQO0XXJ3EFecCAL9neTbguhklP.jpg" alt="turf application" title="turf application" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/24UhtniBoOg7gVJprqFwMYh4fehctAPxlu8RP5IQO0XXJ3EFecCAL9neTbguhklP.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><figure id="figure-lm5bhn4ey9mi88uhsu"><img id="lm5bhn4ey9mi88uhsu" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/36L5En5tf295Hte5ZymcGgnAohgyWdSdFT2dyty8lM3bo1rgHN0ndRYZKHcRurJ1.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/36L5En5tf295Hte5ZymcGgnAohgyWdSdFT2dyty8lM3bo1rgHN0ndRYZKHcRurJ1.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><figure id="figure-28qcckl1armi894n5y"><img id="28qcckl1armi894n5y" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/283GcVgHYobpPdhJiB0KDDFUnSbCd5FwO2HNkdCygQIEMlncbuSKh2ZoqaFY730e.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/283GcVgHYobpPdhJiB0KDDFUnSbCd5FwO2HNkdCygQIEMlncbuSKh2ZoqaFY730e.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><figure id="figure-jcxvrg22xmi895imm"><img id="jcxvrg22xmi895imm" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/cKS2NgJx4hTGBse0o8Yt9WsWaQprVuf1mBk565nnmlZRcthvvaeWl5qJeh2FyqEL.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/cKS2NgJx4hTGBse0o8Yt9WsWaQprVuf1mBk565nnmlZRcthvvaeWl5qJeh2FyqEL.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Case Study: Results and ObservationsThe entire project was completed on weekends. The first weekend was in mid-May, and the soil remained uncovered (except for protection from a couple heavy rains) until the sod was laid around the 4th of July.Throughout the project, weeds in the treated area never became an issue. A few weeds were pulled in a band where the treated and untreated areas met, but only in one section, and it amounted to less than a dozen plants.After the sod was installed (early July), the homeonwers reported only pulling 3-4 weeds from the sodded area until the turf went dormant (late October).Honestly, these first year results were much better than expected.&nbsp;Unfortunatley traditional soil tests were not performed before work began, but observation of native areas and landscape plant performance in the area suggest degraded soil quality, as did the history of the site. The prolonged exposure of the soil likely created a greatly oxidized, alkaline soil. The soil biology was evaluated, and not much more than bacteria was present in the soil.&nbsp;The project preparation involved tilling the soil, fragmenting weed roots, exposing seeds to light and the adding water and should have greatly increased the weed load, but it did not. This is where the quality of the compost comes in. (The deep-aeration also helped.)High-quality compost supports soil health in a wide range of important ways. In addition to supplying living soil biology and the organic matter that feeds it, compost introduces valuable humic acids, essential minerals, and organic compounds that improve overall soil function. It helps create air space for healthy root growth, boosts water-holding capacity, buffers nutrients to keep them available to plants, and contributes organic and amino acids that drive long-term soil vitality.The compost used in this case, Forest Gold, is blend of traditionally prepared commercial compost mixed with aged wood chips from a forest clearing culling dead pine trees. This compost is low in salts, contains no dairy manure or biosolids, is not turned after the heating process is complete, and is aged and watered for 7-8 months. This results in a compost with much higher fungal content than commercially available composts.During the next growing season soil tests will be taken and any changes to site conditions will be shared. Stay tuned!

Case Study: Transforming Soil with High-Quality Compost (even for turf)

Agronomist holding soybean plant and inspecting roots in cultivated field at sunset

Many, many years ago I worked for an older couple. The gentleman had advanced prostate cancer, and was not doing well, so they needed my help. They had recently downsized from a single family home to a townhouse in a retirement village and hired me to spruce up the garden beds in their cute little back yard. They came across as the kind of people that had previously had a meticulously maintained yard in their meticulously cared for neighborhood.One day I had forgotten to bring my hose and was looking for theirs to water all the new plants in. As I opened an outdoor trunk I found a stash of their grandchildren’s outdoor toys. As I shuffled the toys around to see if there was a hose beneath, I found several different bottles of pesticides, mingling with the toys. I had young kids at home and the sight gave me a pit in my stomach. It still does to this day. -I knew better, but I said nothing.The chemical conversation was a hot topic back then, but the science against the overuse of pesticides wasn’t as clear as it is today. I wish I had said something, but I don’t know if it would have helped. I don’t know if the gentleman’s cancer had anything to do with chemical use, but I can’t imagine that hearing some young stranger scold him for risking his grandkids health was what he needed at that point in time. So I said nothing.Only a few years after I worked with the couple, I was attending a lunch with seven or eight managers from a successful nationwide company. Lawn care was the topic of conversation when someone polled the group. Who used what chemicals in their personal yards? I was shocked to hear their responses. There was a little mention of fertilizer, but no herbicides, insecticides or fungicides. Not even weed-and-feed. There were anecdotes of proper care and what that meant (proper care = superior plant health), but there was no use of pesticides. There was no need.Proper Care = Superior Plant Health Day-in and day-out I see a plants health reflect the cultural care it is given. The concept is simple and true. Give a plant the proper care and support, and it will not need pesticides. Give soil the proper care and support and it will not need pesticides. Withholding water and over-pruning a plant into submission are some of the easiest ways to cause plant disease. Compacting, tilling and over-fertilizing are some of the easiest ways to damage soil health. Isn’t that the way it is with humans? Our most common health problems are caused by poor diet, lack of exercise and lack of sleep.This isn’t to say that past activities haven’t left lasting impacts on soils and plants—some challenges persist despite even the best care. However, in most cases, the right supplementary care can restore balance and improve plant health.At Cycle of Life, we combat plant loss by providing the essential support plants and soils need—biological enrichment, nutrition, and tools to enhance pest and disease resistance.By strengthening plant and soil health, we’re cultivating a greener, healthier future—one that reflects hope and possibility rather than decline.

The Mission

Hands holding heart-shaped soil with seedlings around them. Urban organic vegetable garden.

Our applications are designed to help your plants (and soil) achieve health. So what improvements will you notice when our program begins?Improved leaf color Reduced watering needs Thicker, healthier stems Shiny leaves (unless it’s a plant with a waxy coat or leaf hairs) Reduced pest problems Increased drought and heat tolerance Improved water storage in soils Reduced soil compaction Less puddling on soil surfaces Cycle Of Life’s programs are meant to improve plant and soil health in tandem and build a system that starts to work on its own. Our applications aren’t built to create plant and soil dependency. They are built to create plant and soil health and independence. Cycle Of Life helps build the integrity of the system so that it may become self-sustaining.

A Path To Plant Health

Growth progression of a plant from seed to sprout

Planting that tree, shrub or great new pollinator plant isn’t just about digging a hole, dropping it in, and hoping for the best. Just like relationships, businesses, and communities, plants need the right foundation to truly thrive. A plant’s success depends on more than just location—it requires proper planting technique, the correct amount of water, healthy soil and maybe a helping hand here and there.The Importance of Soil Biology Most people think of soil as simply dirt, but it’s actually a living, breathing ecosystem. Beneath the surface, billions of microorganisms—bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and more—work together to create a thriving underground network that supports plant growth. These microbes help break down organic matter, cycle nutrients, and create a balanced environment where roots (and fungi, and bacteria, and actinobacteria, and microarthropods, and, and, and…) can access the water and minerals they need.When planting, it’s crucial to consider soil biology, not just soil type. A plant placed in nutrient-poor, compacted, or chemically altered soil will struggle, no matter how much water or fertilizer it receives. Instead, we should nurture the soil by incorporating biologically active compost (locally produced is best), feeding the soil microbes, and covering bare soil with organic mulch.Healthy soil doesn’t just feed the plant—it fosters relationships between the plant’s roots and beneficial microbes. For example, mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with roots, extending their reach and increasing nutrient uptake. Without this underground support system, plants are left to fend for themselves, making them more vulnerable to drought, disease, and stress. Newly planted plants lack the extra resources needed to overcome these new challenges on their own.Soil isn’t the only place where biology is important. Plants are full of microbes, inside and out. Collectively these microbes are known as the “microbiome”. A healthy microbiome is full of important microorganisms that support plants by acting as a physical defense against pathogens, helping the plant better take up nutrients, and building the plants tolerance to heat and drought stress. -These are just a few ways that plants benefit from a robust microbiome.The Establishment Window: The Key to Adaptation A newly planted tree or shrub doesn’t immediately become part of the landscape—it must go through an establishment period before it can truly thrive. This window, which spans over a few years, is when the plant is most vulnerable. It’s adjusting to its new environment, expanding its root system, and forming essential connections with soil microbes.During this time, plants require consistent care to ensure they establish successfully. Here are some key factors that contribute to successful establishment:Watering Wisely – Overwatering or underwatering are common mistakes. Young plants need regular, deep watering to encourage deep root growth, but they also need time for the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. As roots grow wider and deeper, the plant becomes more drought-resistant. Watering In The Correct Place – When planting, pay attention to where the plants fine, absorbing roots are, then water that zone. Often times new B&amp;B trees (ball and burlap) are watered with drip irrigation right up against the tree’s trunk. That is not where the absorbing roots are. The irrigation should be placed toward the outside of the root ball, but not at the edge or off of the root ball. As plants grow, irrigation should be adjusted and expanded outward to ensure the correct part of the root system is being watered. Mulching for Protection – A layer of organic mulch helps regulate soil temperature, conserve moisture, and slowly release nutrients. It also suppresses weeds that compete for resources. However, piling mulch directly against the trunk or stem encourages rot. Supportive Applications – Using compost teas and extracts help establish and strengthen partnerships between your plant and microbes. Nursery plants are commonly grown in milder climates, then shipped around the country. Applying compost teas and extracts gives you an opportunity to add locally adapted microbes to the your plants microbiome. These locally adapted microbes are especially vital during times of heat and drought. Patience and Observation – Growth doesn’t happen overnight. By monitoring new plantings and adjusting care as needed, you help them transition from survival mode to thriving. Signs of successful establishment include new growth, vibrant foliage, and reduced need for supplemental watering. If you’ve been watching your plant closely, you’ll know when it’s turned the corner. Thriving Beyond Survival Just as people need time to settle into a new home, job, or community, plants require an adjustment period to integrate into their new environment. The difference between merely surviving and thriving comes down to preparation, patience, and support.When we take the time to nurture the plant microbiome and respect a plant’s establishment window, we set the stage for long-term success. So the next time you plant, remember—it’s not just about putting roots in the ground; it’s about creating a place where those roots can truly grow.

Grow Where You Are Planted: The Secret To Thriving Plants

Gardener wearing protective mask spraying insecticide on garden plants

<h2>The Power of Liquid Biological Amendments: Compost Tea &amp; Extract</h2>Healthy soil is the foundation of thriving plants, and liquid biological amendments play a crucial role in enhancing soil vitality. These amendments—compost tea and compost extract—are teeming with beneficial microbes and organic compounds that improve plant health, soil structure, and disease resistance.&nbsp; What Are Liquid Biological Amendments? Liquid biological amendments are concentrated solutions extracted from high-quality compost. These amendments contain beneficial microbes and essential organic compounds that boost plant and soil health. Two common types are:Compost Tea – A brewed solution created by aerating compost in water with microbial food sources to multiply beneficial organisms. This process results in active biology.Compost Extract – A non-aerated rinse of compost that transfers microbes and nutrients into water. This process results in diverse biology.In addition to beneficial microbes, liquid biological amendments also contain: Soluble nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and micronutrients that plants can absorb easily.Organic compounds like humic acids, fulvic acids, and amino acids that improve nutrient availability and soil health.Plant growth stimulants including phytohormones, enzymes, and metabolites that enhance plant resilience and vigor.Natural disease suppressants like antimicrobial compounds produced by beneficial microbes that help fend off pathogens.Why Are Liquid Biological Amendments So Beneficial? 1. Unlocking Nutrients for Plants Microbes found in liquid biological amendments convert organic matter into plant-available nutrients. This ensures that plants receive a steady supply of essential minerals and compounds, promoting strong, vigorous growth.2. Suppressing Plant Diseases The diverse microbial populations in compost tea and extract compete with harmful pathogens, reducing the likelihood of plant diseases. Beneficial bacteria and fungi create a protective barrier around roots and leaves, preventing harmful organisms from taking hold.3. Improving Soil Structure &amp; Permeability Healthy soil is more than just dirt—it’s a living ecosystem. The microbes in these amendments help form soil aggregates, which improve soil structure, aeration, and water retention. This is especially beneficial for compacted or clay-heavy soils that struggle with drainage.4. Enhancing Water Uptake A well-balanced soil ecosystem leads to stronger root systems and important partnerships with microbes, allowing plants to absorb water more efficiently. With improved root development, partnerships and soil aggregation, plants can better withstand drought and environmental stress.Transform Your Landscape with Liquid Biological Amendments Incorporating compost tea and extract into your plant care routine fosters a thriving ecosystem from the ground up. Whether you’re revitalizing depleted soil, improving plant resilience, or enhancing growth, these microbial-rich solutions offer a natural, sustainable way to boost plant health.

LBA's- Liquid Biolgical Amendments

Cycle Of Life

Cycle Of Life, based in Berthoud, Colorado, offers organic plant and soil health care services and products, focusing on sustainable cultivation and soil improvement. As a newly launched venture, the company is just starting out in the market.

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Case Study: Transforming Soil with High-Quality Compost (...

The Mission

A Path To Plant Health

Grow Where You Are Planted: The Secret To Thriving Plants

LBA's- Liquid Biolgical Amendments