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Plants extract nutrients from the soil through their roots. If the soil does not contain the necessary nutrients in sufficient amounts, the plant dies. The three primary nutrients plants need are nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Nitrogen is needed for leaf and stem growth, phosphorous for root growth and potassium for overall health.
Soil amendments contain these nutrients along with other trace elements such as zinc and calcium. When you work an amendment into your soil, you add the nutrients on which plants feed. -
Healthy soil contains microorganisms that break down the organic materials within the soil. This action creates humus. Humus stabilizes the soil, allowing it to absorb nutrients and retain and release water. Without this stabilization process, plants would be unable to access the water and nutrients from the soil.
Amending your soil with organic material such as compost, wood chips and manure creates a microorganism friendly environment in your garden. If your soil is teeming with bacteria, fungi and protozoa, your plants are more likely to thrive. -
Plant roots need to burrow into the soil. If the soil is too clay like, the roots will creep along just under the surface. They become water logged, and the plant dies. If the soil is too sandy, it doesn't retain water. The roots starve, and the plant dies off.
When you amend your soil you alter the texture of your soil. Your soil is crumbly without being dusty, and it doesn't clump when wet. The soil amendment creates a mixture of particle sizes that allow for airflow within the soil (aeration), water retention and water release. -
Soil amendments are worked into existing soil. To change your garden soil into a healthier environment for plants, you need to dig into the dirt. Add amendment. Turn the two together to mix. Then smooth the surface.
To aid in keeping your soil healthy, use mulch for consistent soil temperature and to reduce watering needs. Mulch is applied to the top of the soil. It is not worked in, as are amendments.
