The ideal garden soil will contain
about 5% organic matter (OM) by volume. The great thing
about OM is that it can improve problem soils that have
either a high clay or a high
sand content.
When we talk about adding organic matter to improve the
structure of clay and sand soils, it is
important to remember that you need to
add a lot. Scattering a little peat moss on top of the
soil from a plastic bag will not do the job. Usually,
spreading 3 to 5 inches of compost, tree leaves, peat
moss or other plant based byproducts on the top of the
soil and working it into the top 8-10 inches will help
considerably.
OM also contributes to the overall health of the soil.
It encourages the growth of micro-organisms that help it
to break down into elements usable by the plants. This
releases the nitrogen, phosphorus and other nutrients
that are found in the OM so that it available for use by
nearby plant roots. It also encourages the populations
of earthworms which tunnel through the soil and help to
aerate it.
Related Articles:
Chemical Soil Amendments -
Inorganic Soil Amendments -
Organic Soil Amendments -
Fixing Soil -
Organic Matter -
Solarization
