This means that, eventually, the water seeps away so that plant do not rot.
Without quality soil, plants struggle to survive and usually require supplemental feeding and watering.
The soil texture allows roots to spread quickly, retain moisture, and obtain nutrients.
The Spruce / Cori Sears
Tips
Some plants, likecacti, prefer light, dry soil.
While water drains slowly through clay and quickly through sand, it drains through silt at an average pace.
Soil that consists of 80 percent silt is referred to as “silty.”
The Spruce / Cori Sears
Improving garden soil is not quick and easy, but the results are well worth it.
Sand does not hold moisture, but it lends good aeration and drainage as a component of loamy soil.
Loam’s clay particles are much smaller and are easily compacted.
The Spruce / Cori Sears
However, clay tends to be higher in nutrients than the other soil parts.
Silt is a medium-sized particle with better moisture retention than sand but fewer nutrients than clay.
Silt helps clay and sand mix more readily, like tempering chocolate.
Loose soil allows for oxygen to be present, which is also necessary for root growth.
Loam’s friable nature also makes it easy for roots to spread out to consume nutrients and water.
How to Create Loam Soil
Good loam soil can be made using topsoil mixed with organic matter.
Doing so will result in a material similar to concrete.
This nurtures soil organisms that transform the soil into a loamy mixture over time.
The decomposing organic material creates the well-draining conditions plants need.
Organic matter also attracts beneficial organisms, keeping the soil healthy.
Shredded leaves, straw, and finished compost work well to create rich, loamy soil as they decompose.
Turning your soil into loam is an ongoing process by incorporating organic matter every year.
The amount of organic matter to add depends on the balance of the soil.
Can You Buy Loam Soil?
Generally, soil from excavation sites does not make ideal garden soil.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Trusted and well-known soil companies stand behind their products.
While loam describes the texture of the soil, topsoil describes the location of the soil.
Loam and potting soil’s compositions are different.
It should remain in a ball shape.
But if poked, it should crumble easily.
Loam is soil comprised of sand, silt, and clay, usually in almost equal parts.
Mix topsoil with organic matter, then test the soil.
Add whatever amendments are needed to match your intended plants' needs.
Elite Bulk Member Certification, Mulch and Soil Council.
