Clay soil particles are very fine and tend to compact tightly. When
wet, clay soil is soggy, clumpy and sticky. When dry, it is
exceptionally hard.
Clay soil tends to drain poorly, so nutrients and water struggle to percolate down to the root zones of needy plants. | Sandy Soils have a very loose, gravely texture, with particles varying
sizes. Most sandy soils lack organic matter and do not retain water or
nutrients well because of their porous nature.
Overly loose soil structure and lack of nutrients make sandy soil difficult to grow in, and subject them to erosion from water and wind.
| Lifeless soil is hard and compacted, with scant organic material, poor structure, compromised drainage and insufficient nutrients to support the beneficial micro-life that process food for plants.
The causes of lifeless soil are numerous:
- over-fertilization with high salt chemicals (deadly to microscopic soil life)
- heavy wear from foot traffic or mechanical equipment use
- road salt applications
- erosion
- top soil excavation during home construction |
