Conservation Landscaping GuideSoil Composition
It's worth repeating- A landscape is only as good as the soil it's planted in. your soil's ability to provide what your plants need, in terms of nutrients, root structure, and water is the biggest factor int he health of your landscape. To determine the health of your soil, you will need to send a sample to a soil testing lab. A listing of regional testing labs is available here.
Here's a list of what plants will need from your soil, how to get it, and what it looks like if your plants don't get the amount they need:
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Water |
The texture of your soil will determine how much water it can hold for your plants. IF your plants can't get the water they need they will wilt, and eventually die. Finer textured soils drain slowly and have more plant-available water, but they are susceptible to ponding. Coarser textured soils have less plant-available water. Click here to see a general soils map to see what type of soil you have. To learn more about soil texture, click here. |
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Macronutrients |
Soil has to be able to provide three main nutrients to your plants: Nitrogen, Phophorus, and Potassium (N-P-K). IF any one of those nutrients is deficient, your plants, including grass, will not be healthy. Fertilizers will add these nutrients to your soil, but you must be cautious not to over fertilize! If establiched parts of your plants are turning yellow, or growth appears to be stunted, you may have either a deficiency, or over abundance of these nutrients. Click here or more information on fertilization techniques, and here for more information on symptoms of a macronutrient deficiency. |
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Micronutrients |
In addition to N-P-K, plants need other nutrients from your soil. These include calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, as well as minerals such as iron, boron, copper, zinc, and molybdenum. A deficiency in one of these nutrients is more difficult to diagnose and treat, but the good news is, most soils in our area have enough already. Click here for more information on these nutrients. |
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Organic Matter |
Adding organic matter is the best way to improve the health of your soil. Organic matter is decmposing, or decomposed material from once-living organisms- tree bark, wood chips, compost, manure, grass clippings... As this organic material breaks down, it adds valuable nutrients, and structure to the soil. It also increases the soils' ability to hold water for plants. Add organic matter to your soil by using mulch, or incorporating manure, compost, or finely-textured yard waste when preparing your planting areas. For an in-depth look at organic matter and it's importance in your soil, click here. |
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Structure |
Mark on you plan areas that are excessively windy, as wind can cause excessive dryness and damage in plants. However, some plants can withstand heavy winds and can provide a barrier in your landscape. Click here for a list of windbreak trees. |
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pH |
Soil pH affects the availability of nutrients, especially calcium, which is important for macronutrient uptake. Click here to learn more about soil pH. Most soils become more acidic over time. The most common way to correct that, is to incorporate limestone dust (lime). Click here to find out more about correcting your soil pH. |
NEXT: Efficient Irrigation