Feeding the Soil, Fueling the Future with Brad Turner

What if the secret to healthier plants, stronger yields, and more resilient growing systems starts with what’s happening beneath the surface? In this next installment of our Soil Health Series, Brad Turner of Sand to Soil Services returns to The Modern Farming Podcast to dig even deeper into the living world beneath our feet. This episode explores the biology that powers thriving growing systems and why healthy soil is far more than just dirt. Brad breaks down the role of compost, compost teas, beneficial microorganisms, inoculants, biostimulants, and even the surprising role fish can play in feeding healthy gardens. From using fish-based inputs as a natural nutrient source to feeding soil microbes with carbon-rich materials, this conversation connects the science of soil health to practical, real-world growing strategies that growers of all sizes can apply. Whether you're a farmer, gardener, educator, or simply curious about what makes plants truly thrive, this episode is packed with valuable insight. In This Episode, We Cover: • What makes a growing system truly thrive • The role of compost in building healthy soil biology • Compost teas and how they introduce beneficial life into the soil • Microorganisms and why they matter more than most growers realize • Biostimulants and the “food” that helps biology and plants perform • Inoculants and how targeted microbes support plant health • How fish-based fertilizers and inputs can naturally support garden growth • The connection between carbon, biology, and nutrient availability • Practical ways growers can improve soil function naturally Healthy plants start with healthy biology—and healthy biology starts in the soil.