Soil

Not all types of soil are alike, and clay and sand represent opposite ends of the soil spectrum. In order to successfully grow plants in sand or clay, it helps to understand the unique...

Soil is composed of a mixture of water, air, minerals and organic matter. Soil forms the top layer of the Earth's crust and has many functions, including purifying water, recycling nutrients and...

Are you an avid gardener? You have probably experienced many different soil situations, including topsoil that forms large clumps. These clumps make planting very difficult. Small plants and...

Soil refers to a layer of material that is ubiquitous on the surface of the Earth. Soil is usually classified by its texture, which is determined by the amount of sand, silt or clay that is...

Clay soil is often referred to as heavy soil because of its water-retention capacity. Because it drains poorly, it is easily saturated with water, which can lead to root rot or make it hard for...

Poor drainage is one of the biggest problems associated with clay soil. When you look at the structure of clay, it's easy to see why. Soil texture is determined by the percentage of three kinds...

Topsoil is the soil on the earth's surface where most vegetation grows. Topsoil contains organic matter consisting of humus, clay, and sand (See References 1). Topsoil is sometimes sold as "loam"...

Good topsoil comprises about thirty percent clay, thirty percent sand and thirty percent silt with an organic matter content of five to twenty percent or better. To replicate true topsoil, a...

Soil has various compositions and comes in a variety of forms. Natural soils consist of minerals, organic matter and living organisms that are in balance with surrounding geological features and...

Providing adequate drainage for plants in clay soil requires improving the soil's texture. Lighten clay soil texture with the help of organic materials. With appropriate amendments, clay soil can...

Sand is the result of rocks and minerals being broken down by weathering. The particle size varies from a diameter of 1/16 mm up to 2 mm. Sand's pH can vary depending on what materials are mixed in.

Soil can be classified by different characteristics. One of the most important characteristics of soil is the texture. The texture, along with the organic content and pH, determines how well a...

Coastal erosion is a huge problem. You might be asking yourself why you should be worried about the condition of some beach, but in truth it does have an impact on the economy that you might not...

There are three general classifications of soil texture. The soil texture classification is determined by the relative proportions that are present in the clay, sand and silt particles. Clay...

There are many factors that need to be considered when choosing plants or features for a garden. The texture of the soil should be determined since this will affect the types of plants that can be...

When you think of dirt or soil, it's often in general terms. But soil has numerous identifiers. To get the most from your plantings, it helps to know what type of soil you have. It is also...

Soil is the thin, outer most layer of the Earth's surface, comprised of a combination of minerals, water, oxygen, and organic matter. Soil types are categorized based on the quantities of each...

Soil texture refers to the amount of sand, silt and clay in a soil. Soil texture influences the frequency of irrigation, cultivation practices and the type of plants that will grow. Here is an...

Although plants can be forced to grow without soil, soil is the natural medium in which plants have adapted and evolved. There are a number of key factors or characteristics of soil that have a...

Soil types are described by how much sand, silt or clay the soil contains. Although most soil contains a combination of these particles, the exact combination determines the soil's ability to...

Altering your garden soil is an immediate project as well as a long-term goal. Managing clay soil requires both brawn and patience, but it can be done. Immediately, you'll want to lighten the soil...

Heavy clay in the garden will stop your garden before it gets started. Clay compacts heavily and prevents drainage and root growth. For optimum growth, you want soil that is roughly 40 percent...

Making your own custom soil allows you to control many negative products of your garden. Fungus, disease, weeds, insects, and moles can ruin the rewards of your hard work. Try mixing a custom...

All soil consist of clay, silt, and sand particles. Plants grow best when there is a nearly equal percentage of each of these, along with five to ten percent organic matter. Soil texture varies...

When it comes to gardening, it’s helpful to gather some soil information so you know what percentage of your soil is sand, silt, or clay. Sand drains well, while silt and clay retains water. ...

Soil is not just dirt. It is the evolving layer of decomposing rock that covers parts of the Earth not covered by water or sand. Soil covers just 10 percent of the Earth's surface but produces all...

The success of your garden depends not only on the amount of sun and water your plants have, but what kind of soil you have. Your drainage can vary and the nutrients available to plants will...

Knowing what kind of soil you have to work with is really important if you are to get the most out of your gardening or landscaping. It will tell you how much to water and fertilize, and even...

Poor drainage, swelling, cracking and a high pH make clay soil a challenge for even the most experienced gardeners. The good news is, amending clay soil is relatively simple–you just need to add...

There is no such thing as "bad soil." Some types of soil retain water longer than fast-draining sandy soil, and clay soil will retain water for a very long time. The problem is that clay soil...