How to improve quality of clay soil. A simple test to determine soil quality

A good quality soil should be loamy, but this type of soil is not the best choice for growing all plants. Naturally, different plants require different soils. Too much clay makes soil less permeable and tends to retain water, but too little clay is not good either. Water drains too quickly and plants cannot absorb nutrients from dry soil.

So, is there a simple way to test what kind of soil you have in your garden? Yes, there is. Squeeze a handful of dump garden soil in your hand. If it breaks apart right away, your soil is too sandy. If it is heavy and sticky and forms a ball easily, then it has too much clay. This type of soil tends to be muddy and slimy when wet and rather powdery when dry. A good garden soil should retain its shape and it should crumble if you poke it with your finger.

Clay soil can be improved by plants

Clay soil is relatively lifeless, but if you add an organic matter the quality will improve. Look for plants with deep roots, such as daikon radish or for plants with fibrous root systems, such as rye or clover. When these plants die, do not remove them. They provide the organic matter and serve as a natural compost that will gradually improve the quality and make the soil more permeable, thus allowing water to drain away. A good idea is to work the remains deeper into the ground in the spring.

Photo: Pixabay

Add compost

If you do not want to wait the entire season you simply add compost, which is full of organic matter that has already been broken down by bacteria and earthworms and full of ready-to-absorb nutrients. You may also add compost or composted cow manure on top of soil as mulch.

Add mulch

If you do not have compost, add mulch that includes other types of organic matter. For example, fallen leaves, pine needles, grass clippings, straw or hay. Create a 5-10 cm layer on the surface and work it in a little bit. Do not to turn the soil over as you do not want to completely disrupt the soil structure. And finally, do not forget to aerate soil regularly. Pitchfork works great.

Preview photo: Pixabay

Source: https://www.ireceptar.cz/zahrada/jak-vylehcit-tezkou-jilovitou-pudu.html