The Soil
One of the wonders of nature that has given this planet of ours life! Normally taken for granted and often abused! A fertile soil of the correct type is vital for a plant to grow to it’s full potential.
Soil is weathered rock, the minerals of which are called: sand, silt and clay. The names sand, silt and clay refer to their particle size. Sand particles are larger than the very small clay particles, with silt particles in between the two. The varying amounts of these particles determine the texture of a soil. By and large - what we get is what we keep! We can not substantially alter the soil texture.
We can however, improve the structure of soil. Soil structure refers to the cracks and air spaces between the soil particles. Air is the ingredient that ultimately determines the health of soil. The gaps between the soil particles fill with water after steady rain. Soil that has a good structure, e.g. has been improved by digging, allows this water to drain away. If drainage is insufficient this water fails to drain away. As the water has driven out the air the soil becomes waterlogged. A soil high in organic matter will be fertile, remaining moist and cool for longer. Organic matter consists of dead and decaying vegetation, animals, insects etc. Soil organisms, (worms, fungi, bacteria etc) break the organic matter down to produce humus.
Humus is a dark, sticky substance that is vital for the general health of soil. If water is present in the soil the humus dissolves and the nutrients are released in a form that plants can absorb. Annual applications of organic matter, even to a well structured and rich soil will help keep it fertile and with a good structure. The aim of improving the structure of any type of soil is to create what is referred to as crumb structure .This is where the soil particles bond together in small, clumps that break apart easily. The ideal soil has a balanced proportion of sand, silt, clay and humus and is given the final expression used to describe soil...Loam.
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