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Every area on
earth has a
different soil content. Their structures include loamy, sandy, rich in organic matter,
higher or lower, neutral pH content etc. Many factors determine how your garden
will be effected. Not to mention that if you have a wide variety of
plants, there is most likely a need for the difference of pH throughout your area.
Your soil should be tested every few yards if you plan on using your natural soil to garden
with and match it to the specific plants for optimal growing. Soil pH
Meters are readily available and easy to use. They come in a wide variety of types
and costs, but as long as it is
accurate, it doesn't matter the make and can be helpful for years to
come without having to get an actual soil sample test. It is always best
to get an actual soil sample when possible. Soil is
composed of inorganic, organic matter, air, water and living organisms
(both microscopic and higher life forms). Inorganic material is formed
from the weathering of parent rock mineral material. This is generally known as
sand. What makes soil fertile is the amount of organic matter content in
the soil mass. Organic matter is derived from decaying plant and animal
material, animal excretion and the microbiotic living organisms. Organic
matter improves water/moisture and nutrients and their water holding
capacity, aeration, granulation while supporting bacterial life soil
organisms which makes nutrients readily available for plant life.
Various forms
of fungi and bacterial organisms live in the soil and exist mainly on
the plant and animal excrements and decaying organic matter. Most of
these are beneficial by helping in the breakdown of complex organic
compounds into more simple chemicals to be used by higher plant life.
There are a few types of fungi or fruiting bodies and bacterial
organisms that are harmful to plants causing disease and rot issues.
Once a soil has been introduced to these harmful bacteria or fruiting
bodies, it is wise to make the proper choice in destroying these. Some
are nearly impossible to be rid of and have caused much grief for much
of south America's food crops.
To properly
consider the type of amendment if any, we need to look at our soil
texture. Soil texture refers to the size of mineral particles (inorganic
matter). Sand particles are considered to be large and coarse. Soil
texture depends on the type of rock or clay in your area ranging from
course (sand) to very fine (silt) which is dependant on a variety of
conditions and mineral content. Soil content in Florida are mostly
course textured mineral soils.
The finer the
inorganic matter in a soil, the slower the water percolation (meaning
higher moisture retention) and the ability to hold more nutrients. Keep
in mind that this means slower drainage and can be a problem for many
types of favorite plants species. your basic finer particle (or slower
draining soil) include clay and silt areas. If your property or desired
growing area is silt or clay there are ways around this issue but will
take much elbow grease.
If you're in a
low area that has or is known for high precipitation and can be
considered a bog or a marsh, there isn't a lot that can be done without
large amounts of fill. That is if you wish to build on it or the
previous owner of the property has decided to utilize it for that
purpose. Most likely the original (under) soil will be on the acidic side,
but you should have it tested to be sure. Normally for construction
builders they use a minimum of 2+ feet depending on the average or
highest known water table over the last 20 years. It can be much deeper
depending on the calculated water table. Fill dirt is VOID of
nutrients and organic matter, because it is the soil that was
far below the surface and the topsoil is what holds the organic
compounds. If you are
monitoring your new home builders closely, (as you should if you are
concerned since it IS your property and home), you will need them to
place about 8-12" of
high organic matter top soil. The soil should be gathered from a
reputable place. I have had more than one well established company (in
business for more than 20 years) deliver 10 yards of very black soil,
yet when I began to use it I found loads of old tire shreddings and
other plastics plus a few shards of glass that they used as filler. That
is NOT organic matter. Tires actually contain petroleum and is the enemy
of plant growth and the glass will not break down back into dust anytime
soon. you can also be cut if you're not careful. The practice of adding
organic matter to new home sites is normally not done by building
companies, because as with any business, net profit is the bottom line.
When construction companies use the filler, it is generally sand
containing only minerals and lacking nutrient completely. If you own a
newly built home (built within the last decade) most likely your soil
lacks nutrients. This is why the new lawns are difficult to get growing
at first without much fertilizing and other helpful procedures. There
are new practices by Home building companies that sprouted a couple
years (though I'M not sure how much has caught on) where they do their
best to grade as little of the new site as possible, leaving as much
natural vegetation as possible. This saves them money but is not as easy
to work around when building a home. Just don't scold the workers as
they are minding their boss. You should speak with the Super directly,
he is in charge. Also don't be surprised if they pass the added costs
onto you. It is well worth the price if you can afford it in that it can
take years to replace the real top soil and only one afternoon to strip
it away.
Another method
to choose if and where possible is sloping the grade of the areas to be
gardened or planted. This will make faster drainage and is a method used
for centuries by just about every culture. Another method is to place
amendments and till them into the soil to change the soil texture to a
better quality if possible. This will also help with aeration and
aeration is extremely important for root growth and structure. This
usually can never harm the structure or quality but usually always
helps.
The best
quality soil mix for the healthiest plants will always be perfect
combination of coarse and fine textures amended with 5-15% organic
matter. The supposed 'correct' or ideal soil mix is said to be 45%
mineral content, 25% air, 25% water and only 5% organic matter. This can
be varied of course per plant species and must be as different regions
contain a naturally wide variety of plant types. These idea soil
characteristics can be found in natural loam soil. Florida has very
little naturally loamy areas. Makes me wonder how Florida has one of
largest varieties of natural vegetation in the USA.
Soil
amendments are added to adjust and improve these physical
characteristics: Structure, drainage, water/moisture holding capacity
and nutrient holding capacity.
If wood is used as in compost chips,
pine bark, pine straw, sawdust or similar, then the time required for
the breakdown of these large pieces of organic matter must be taken into
consideration for a proper pH reading. A high nitrogen containing
fertilizer can speed up in the breakdown process and decay of the wood.
When green manure is used, being cover crops or other vegetation,
decomposition time should also be considered in that it will take longer
to become helpful in the soil.
For your newly added soil amendments to
be effective large amounts of any type of organic matter needs to be
used and sufficient time allowed for the breakdown of these larger
pieces. Apply the organic matter evenly spread into the areas of concern
at a depth of at least 3 inches. using a tiller is advisable to get the
soil mixed well into the top 6 to 8 inches of topsoil along with your
other amendments.
Always remember that amending soil is
not an immediate thing. It takes time for the breakdown process to
attract the micro-biotic living organisms that help in the breakdown
process and furnish the soil with health. Adding worms to any soil mix
will aid greatly and speed up the process as well.
Their excrement
is known as black gold by many gardeners and is now big business.
Also always be mindful of of the future
soil pH and full characteristics such as structure, drainage, water,
nutrient holding capacity and always aeration. Compost is the best way
to improve the organic matter of your over all soil composition.
Soil pH is the measurable reaction
between acidity or alkalinity of the soil. The scale is set so that 14
is the highest and zero is the lowest with 7 being neutral. A neutral
soil of 7 is normal for most soils. Anything above 7 is alkaline (or
sweet) and anything below 7 is acidic (or Sour). pH is very important
aspect to consider. If your pH is not correct for the plants you intend
to place around they may not grow very well if at all and nutrient
uptake for the plants will not occur with incorrect pH balances.
I apologize for the incomplete information...
This page will be updated as time permits.
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