What Kind Of Soil Do You Have?

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Soil is made up of organic and mineral matter, and air and water in different percentages. The largest component is rock mineral particles; the soil texture is categorized by the size of these particles.

Sandy soil is generally airy, warms up early in the spring, and provides good drainage, but is usually not very fertile. For a quick test to find out if you have sandy soil, dig a hole a couple of inches deep, put some moist soil in your hand and squeeze it together. If the soil doesn't form a ball and doesn't stick together well, you probably have sandy soil.

Clay soil is heavy because it holds in moisture and doesn't let air into the soil. It typically has poor drainage and roots can't establish themselves very well. To find out is you have clay soil, dig a small hole (your first clue may come as you try to dig the hole!) and put some moist soil in your hand. Squeeze it together. If the soil is wet you will get a sticky ball, if the soil is dry, it will be very hard. Totally dry soil will not form a ball.

Loam provides a good balance of mineral and organic matter and holds moisture and nutrients in the ground where the roots need it. It usually has a good air supply. It has roughly equal amounts of sand, silt and clay

When you form a ball with loam, it will form a semi-solid ball that will crumble nicely between your fingers, (depending on how wet it is).

Organic Matter Soil is ideally made up of about 5% organic matter, which alters the structure of the soil. There are many types of organic matter found in the soil, and that can be added to the soil to help create the type of texture you need.

If you have sandy soil, you can add organic matter like peat moss and manure to help add the nutrients it needs, and keep the moisture regulated. If you have clay soil, adding organic matter helps lighten it and make it easier for roots to establish themselves. Don't mix peat moss and clay; both are like sponges and hold too much water.

The pH scale measures the level of acidity or alkalinity in the soil. Various types of plants will grow with different pH levels, but a neutral level of pH is almost always best because the plant can get the nutrients it needs. It is important to know the pH level of your soil so that you can either alter your soil, or choose plants which will do well in your existing soil.

The scale runs from 1 - 14, neutral pH is at 7. Acid, or "sour" soil runs from 0 - 7; alkaline or "sweet," runs from 7 - 14.