Soil Amendments and Organic Materials

Soil amendments can improve the overall physical properties of soils. The amendments are mixed in with the soil, and then mulch is usually placed over the surface. The soil can then receive nutrients through the amendments.

When choosing the best choice for soil amendments, they should be ones that can increase water and the capacity to hold nutrients. It will improve the overall aeration and water infiltration through the soil. Having wood products in the soil can tie up any nitrogen that is in the soil. One important tip that many people should know is that when you go to choose and use biosolids, you want to choose Grade 1 for the ultimate performance for your soil.

A soil amendment is any solution or material that is added to soil in order to improve the physical properties of the soil, such as water retention, water infiltration, permeability, drainage, structure, and aeration. The goal of the soil amendment is to provide a better and more nourishing environment for roots.

For a soil amendment to work, the amendment must be thoroughly mixed within the soil. If it is just placed under the soil, any effect that it once has is reduced, and this can interfere with any movement of water or air, and the growth of the roots can be affected. Mulching and amending is not the same thing. Mulches can, however, be used as amendments in some cases. Mulch is normally left of the surface of the soil, and the purpose of mulch is to reduce any runoff or evaporation, have less weed growth, and create an attractive appearance.

They can help warm the soil in the spring, and even cool them down in the summertime. Usually, when mulches decompose to the point that they no longer can serve their original purpose, they can then be used as amendments.

There are two different types of soil amendments: inorganic and organic. Organic amendments are made from materials that are or once were alive. Inorganic amendments are human-made or mined. Some examples of organic amendments can include wood chips, grass clippings, sphagnum peat, compost, straw, manure, sawdust, and biosolids. Inorganic amendments can include perlite, chunks of the tire, pea gravel, vermiculite, and sand. Using organic amendments can increase organic matter in the soil and can also offer many benefits for the soil itself. Having these organic amendments can improve water infiltration, soil aeration, and water plus nutrient holding capacity within the soil.

A lot of the organic amendments out there contain nutrients derived from plants, and this acts as a fertilizer for the soil. Having the organic matter in the soil can also serve as an important source of energy for bacteria, earthworms, and fungi that also live in the soil. There are factors to consider when choosing the right amendment for your soil. Some of the things to keep in mind are the texture of the soil, salt content and the pH level of the amendment to be used, how long the amendment will last, and also the soil salinity and plants' sensitivity to salt.