How can you determine the soil conditions of the property yourself?

How can the type of soil on the construction site be determined? This is quite an important question when you are just starting to decorate the area around your country house. The information obtained will help you choose the type of plant that is most suitable for growing in your garden.

Several tests are presented in this article, the overall result of which will help you to learn more about your floor. The most important components are sand, silt and clay. Their ratio affects the type of soil. Test multiple plots in your yard to get the most accurate information and compare results.

How do you recognize the degree of soil infiltration?

Surely you know that there are plants that are drought-resistant and moisture-loving. To do this, you need to know if your soil is well drained.

To do this, you have to dig a hole about 30 centimeters deep and fill it completely with water. Measure the moisture absorption rate with a regular ruler. 5-6 inches per hour is the ideal infiltration rate, meaning your soil is well drained. A speed of less than 2.5 cm indicates poor drainage. In this case, you need to use plants that tolerate poorly draining soil.

Monitor soil conditions

It is enough to carefully monitor how the soil manifests itself in different parts of the site in order to select the most suitable plants for it.

Here are some signs of potential problem areas.

1. Pond – This can be caused by soil compaction or heavy clay. Plants that thrive in moist soil do best.
2. Erosion, where water can appear on a slope or in any area of ​​your garden. Use plants that grow vigorously while holding the soil in place.
3. Cracks – their presence in the soil usually indicates clay soil. Plant loam-tolerant plants in this area.

toxin test

If you live in urban areas, chances are your soil contains lead or other pollutants. Learn more about what used to be on your site. Ideally, this should be done before you buy, because you don’t want to know that there was, for example, a landfill on the property of your house.

pH of the soil

This level depends on the area in which you live. And, of course, some plants prefer alkaline, others acidic soil. A soil test can be purchased at garden supply stores to determine the acidity of a site.

How to improve soil quality

Soil quality can be improved in many ways. There are many types of additives that can temporarily reduce levels of chemical pollution.

Another solution to the problem is much simpler and more economical: just choose plants that love the type of soil you have. And also apply organic fertilizers and improve the characteristics of the land by growing suitable green plants on it. The best examples of fertilizers are manure, leaf and grass mixes, and compost.

Have you learned something new for yourself? What type of soil is there in your area?