Methods and techniques for handling soil

Many gardeners, even having complete information about the type of soil that is on their site, do not know where to start and how exactly to approach it. Now we will try to analyze the basic methods and techniques for handling soil, which will definitely help you in handling it both at the preparatory stage and in the process of growing plants.

For example, more and more people are asking how to correctly determine the composition of the soil without using additional funds, i.e. manually.

There is a popular, simplest method - if you are not sure that you have accurate data, just rub a small handful of moistened earth between your palms.

In the event that the pounded lump is granular and loose, does not undergo rolling and sticking into a denser one, then the soil in this area is most likely of a sandy loam or sandy type.

If the structure is sticky, and also retains its shape for a long time when rolling, then this is most likely nothing more than a greasy sandy loam. Plastic soil, easily amenable to deformation and giving a variety of shapes without breaking, is clearly clay.

Thus, having an idea of ​​the type of soil that is on your site, you can always give yourself an account of exactly how to handle it, what measures are needed to improve it, and further grow plants.

Oddly enough, but another important feature of the soil, regardless of its type, is its natural color and shade. Going deeper into the hole for at least a meter, you can observe the so-called soil profile - this is the most reliable option when determining by color.

The side wall of the dug hole should definitely note the alternation of soil layers, just like the color change from upper to lower - this way, you can not only determine the type of soil, but also boldly judge the degree of its fertility.

So, for example, soils of dark colors are characterized by an advantage in this regard, they have an increased content of organic matter, and they also provide plants with quite comfortable conditions for development and growth. In dark soils, noble microorganisms also develop better than in light ones.

Why exactly a dark color? The whole thing is in the content of a natural substance called humus. A dark color, especially if it is saturated, indicates a high content of humus, which in turn will further contribute only to the benefit of cultivation, therefore we can say that when faced with this soil on their site, summer residents were undoubtedly lucky.

In addition to humus, a variety of chemical compounds can act as factors that determine the color of the soil, which give the soil shades from reddish to rusty or giving off yellowness. The content of iron oxides is often found in the soil, which contribute to the seemingly unnatural color.

Be careful with these soils and cultivate them according to guidelines before deciding to cultivate them.

One should also mention such a nuance as the ripeness of the soil - readiness for cultivation, use for sowing and planting.

Every summer resident must have an idea of ​​this, otherwise it can inadvertently ruin the entire planned harvest. In order to check if your soil is ready for the necessary manipulations, you can simply take a lump from the surface in your hand and squeeze.

If you feel that moisture does not fully penetrate to the fingers, seeps a little to the surface, and the lump itself does not turn into slush and liquid porridge - your soil is strong enough in structure and is completely ready for the processing process.

Digging up their beds one time or another, spending a lot of effort and time, novice summer residents ask themselves the question - is it really necessary? Many do not at all understand the value of this process, therefore, it is necessary to understand its significance specifically for the soil.

First of all, when the soil is subjected to the digging process, its structure, especially if it is heavy soil, is facilitated by mixing dense lumps that break with a shovel with auxiliary fertilizers, for example, compost or humus.

Also, thanks to digging, you can always at the right time prevent the development and reproduction of weeds, destroy their spread root system, even if it is stuck in the deep layers of your soil.

It should also be noted the plus of the even distribution of those fertilizers that were applied at the initial stage - otherwise, in some place there may be an excess of them, but somewhere, on the contrary, too little, which will extremely adversely affect the further life of the plantings.

In conclusion, it should be noted that, when digging up your garden, you can always at the right time find burrows and habitats of pests: rodents and insects, further taking measures to remove them from the territory of the site.

The soil - exactly the same living organism as plants. It is necessary to feel the soil, to know what it is in character and structure, what it needs, and what it does not need at all. Do not try to do without proper treatment, planting plants right away - you will not achieve the desired result.

Follow the recommendations and advice, do not rush to force the circumstances and be sure to achieve the desired result. Good luck!