Ideal soilrich in nutrients and well-draining yet holding enough water so that the plants can absorb itis rare.
Before adding any amendment to soil, it is crucial to do asoil test.
Here’s our guide to common soil amendments and their uses.
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You add nutrients and improve the soil density.
It also promotes root growth and facilitates the anchoring of young roots.
Vermiculite is a key ingredient in soilless potting mixes and it is also available separately in bags.
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Mix it into the soil very lightly, otherwise it might clump and become a barrier to water flow.
The straw provides micro-organisms like fungi and bacteria with carbohydrates as energy source.
They also stabilize silty, slippery soil that is too loose, so it is less prone to erosion.
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Thats why it is important to only use composted wood chips and bark.
It is high in nitrogen.
In tomatoes, extra calcium can preventblossom end rot.
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Pea gravel is also suitable to stabilize soft, slippery soils that are prone to erosion.
Worm castings have a texture similar to compost.
They are also sold in bags but they are more expensive than compost.
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Aluminum sulfate has the same effect on iron and manganese, two important micronutrients.
By adding aluminum sulfate, you improve the nutrient uptake of the soil.
It contains small amounts of nitrogen and potash and is used as a supplement to other soil amendments.
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Alfalfa is high in nitrogen.
Rock Phosphate
Rock phosphate is derived from mined soft rock phosphate.
It adds phosphorus to the soil, which promotes blooming and root growth.
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Rock phosphate is mostly sold in pelletized form.
It makes the soil dense like concrete.
It includes everything that makes up the soil.
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An amendment is blended into the soil to enrich it and make it healthier.
Choosing a Soil Amendment.
Colorado State University Extension.
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Guide to Using Wood Ash as an Agricultural Soil Amendment.
New Hampshire Cooperative Extension.
Organic Matter and Soil Amendments.
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University of Maryland Extension.
The Myth of Rubberized Landscapes.
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