Amending the Soil

A soil amendment is any material added to a soil to improve its physical properties. soil types are generally evaluated on fertility and texture. The goal is to provide a better environment for roots. There are two types of amendments: organic and inorganic. Organic amendments include sphagnum peat, wood chips, grass clippings, straw, compost, manure, bio-solids, sawdust and wood ash. Inorganic amendments include vermiculite, tire chunks, pea gravel and sand. Organic matter improves soil aeration, water infiltration, and both water- and nutrient-holding capacity. The amendment you choose depends on your goals. If you want to improve soil physical properties quickly, you must choose an amendment that decomposes rapidly. If you want a quick improvement that lasts a long time, you must choose a combination of amendments.