How to ameliorate soil!

A combination of clay, sand, loam and organic matter make up a soils texture and ability to retain water and air.  Soil particles that are small, like clay, hold a lot of water while soil particles that are larger, like sand, allow water to run through a lot faster.  The key to keeping it well-balanced is to first understand what kind of soil you have.  A good quality soil has a high water-holding capacity, sufficient depth, effective infiltration and good drainage.  There are different methods to determine soil type, but a simple way is to gather a handful of soil, then add water gradually, mixing it together in your hand until it forms a ball.  Slowly squeeze the soil between your thumb and forefinger to form a sausage shape.  If the shape remains firm and bends slightly, it is a clay soil.  If the soil crumbles and you can feel and see sand in it, it is a sandy soil.  If it holds together but is still slightly crumbly, it is a loam soil.  When wet, clay soil feels clumpy and sticky and is hard when dry.  Because the particles in clay soil are fine, they do not allow water to soak in easily and can even resist water when dry, however, when wet, the soil can hold moisture for longer periods of time.  To improve clay soils, dig to a depth of 30cm if possible and add some gypsum.  Next, add plenty of organic material such as compost or manure and then add a layer of organic mulch ensuring that you aerate the soil as you are digging it in.  Sandy soils feel gritty to touch and drain easily, however, they dry out fast.  Although this soil type has a low moisture and nutrient-holding capacity, they are usually well aerated and easy to cultivate.  Adding a wetting agent can help retain some water and digging in plenty of organic matter will help improve the structure of sandy soils.  It will also benefit from mulching to help retain moisture.  Loamy soil is a well-balanced mix of sand, silt and clay.  The texture feels fine and slightly damp.  Loamy soil is ideal for gardening, lawns and shrubs as it has great structure, adequate drainage, retains moisture easily, full of nutrients and easy to cultivate.  However, loamy soil can still require careful management to prevent depletion and drying out.  Although this soil type is the most ideal for gardening, the soil can still be improved and maintained by adding organic matter such as compost, mulch and manure.  Applying wetting agents can also help the soil better absorb water.  All soil types should be amended before any plants go into the ground.

Clay Soil

Sandy Soil

Loam

Squeeze Test

Soil Pyramid