Why Clay Soil is a Problem

All soils are made up of small particles, varying in both size and texture. Clay soil particles are exceptionally tiny, and the composition of clay soil is mostly minerals with only minute amounts of organic matter. Because the tiny particles that comprise clay soil are so close together, there is little room for air to circulate and water to drain. Therefore, soil that is primarily clay tends to be dense and sticky when wet and very hard when dry.

Chemical fertilizers aren't the answer. Numerous studies have shown that adding large amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium - the three elements you find noted as NPK on most fertilizer packages – actually reduces the organic material in soils, deteriorating the structure of your soil even further.

The Solution for Clay Soil

The best approach for improving your clay soil focuses on life in the soil and food for soil life. Therefore, we recommend immediately loosening this infuriatingly bad soil and then introducing natural and organic agents to fundamentally improve everything about the soil.

Microbial life is the key to soil that can create its own nutrients for plants to thrive, is well drained, loose, and can defeat or prevent almost every pest and disease. To create this healthy environment in your soil:

• Apply a soil penetrant to l oosen the texture of your soil to allow plant roots to breathe, absorb moisture and nutrients, and grow.
• Introduce a soil conditioner that will coat your soil particles to keep them from re-compacting and help them retain moisture and nutrients in the root zone.
• Stimulate the growth of beneficial soil microorganisms that break down organic material into nutrients that plants can use.
• Add humus (decomposed organic material) to your soil to help keep the soil loose and provide basic nutrients for plants.
• Increase the nutrient levels in your soil so that plants and grass will thrive.

There are several ways to accomplish each of these actions. Click here for specific product recommendations for clay soil problems.