Soil Science

This was a topic in the Master Gardener® Program. It would have been covered earlier, but more timely topics were available. Ideally soil is made up of 50% dirt, 25% air and 25% water. The 50% that is dirt stays the same. The air and water can fluctuate after a heavy rain or irrigation. The dirt falls into 4 categories. They are: sand, silt, clay and organic matter. Without organic matter, the soil will not hold air or water correctly.

Sand, silt and clay are defined by particle size with clay being the smallest. Clay packs so hard that it will not drain, nor will the soil hold any air. Organic matter is necessary to help the soil hold air and water in the proper proportions. It also helps the soil release the trace minerals and nutrients needed for plant growth.

Soil and organic matter hold and have nutrients, but there may not be a proper balance, or the nutrients may not be available, or there may not be enough nutrients for the plant that is being grown. The Ph or acid-alkalinity index is also critical for the release of nutrients. All of these factors are different for different plants. A good gardener gets their soil tested at least every three years to see what is needed for the intended use.

David Segrest is an International REALTOR in Charlotte, NC. His email is david@segrestrealty.com , His webpage is http://davidsegrest.com , and his international real estate blog is http://dointernationalrealestate.blogspot.com/