Constituents of Soil

Soil texture means the quantity (in percent) of sand, silt and clay in the soil. Texture affects moisture holding capability, aeration, drainage, condition of tilled soil, ability of getting compacted and nutrient retaining capacity of the soil. The perfect soil texture is loam and silt loam. The finest soil texture for a lawn is a sandy loam, having 60-70% sand and the remaining of mixed silt and clay. Analysis of texture of soil is crucial as it plays a role in letting plants flourish.

Procedure

Checking of soil texture is done by Hydrometer method or Pipette method. For a huge lawn gather samples at equally spaced gaps in the area. Then mix these to form a composite sample. For accurate analysis rake up a couple of inches and make a hole six inches in depth. This enables us to check the soil from the root area rather than the surface. Free the sample of rocks and debris and make it dry in a day or two. Then sift the sample by using a wire-mesh or an old colander to separate small stones and roots and to break lumps of soil if present. Now take a cupful of the sifted soil in a jar and add to it a tablespoon of powdered detergent to keep the soil particles separate to achieve an accurate checking. Add water and mix these three materials completely. Ensure that no soil gets attached to the sides of the jar. Let the sediment settle. During sedimentation it is observed that sand settles the first, followed by silt and clay needs a couple of days. The layer of sand has a coarse texture than the silt. The layer of clay is the finest. Now measure the height of each layer with a ruler. Divide height of each layer multiplied by 100, by the total height of all three layers to get the percent of each layer. Now transfer your percentages to the soil texture triangle and deduce the soil texture.

Use

The soil utility can be enhanced, as follows-if there is heavy clay content; it becomes difficult for water and air to reach the roots. Also roots find it hard to grow. So the lawn must be aerated.

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