Dave mentioned in the pod cast that no till gardening resulted in very soft soil. I have noticed recently that my soil in my beds is becoming very rich looking from all the added organic matter, but it is also becoming very firm on top, almost forming a hardened crust on the surface. The texture of the soil is changing, once the crust on top is broken with a trowel or shovel, the underneath is very soft, I am wondering if it is the organic matter bonding with the soil, maybe with the combined castings of the worms that is forming the crust like effect? Any ideas or suggestions.
The crust does not seem to effect the growth of the plants ( they grow very well), but it does seem to retard weed growth (could be all in my head). Even when stepping in the bed the firm crusting can be noticed, this is most noticeable in the predominately clay based bed, but also to a lesser extent in the more sandy loam based beds.

>> very firm on top, almost forming a hardened crust on the surface.
...
>> most noticeable in the predominately clay based bed, but also to a lesser extent in the more sandy loam based beds

In my beds (VERY heavy clay amended with not-enough compost), rain or mini-sprayer irrigation will "pound" the surface so that it reverts back to clay, hence becoming crusty when dry. I interpret that as a cry for help: "Mulch me!"

Just throw on another armful of rotten straw


really, I have no idea, I'm just messin' w ya!
If it retards weed growth, I wanna step by step tutorial lol