What is soil amendment , and do you need it ? Soil amendment is when material is contribute to soil to enhance its properties , such as retaining water or amend aeration , drainage function , or structure . Do n’t get this unconnected with plant food : the intention of fertilizer is to ply plant life with the chemical element they require so they can get faster / more productively . alternatively , a soil amendment will meliorate your soil ’s quality when mixed in , which can be used in conjunction with fertilizer . Some amendment may also have fertilizer value .
There are all sorts of soil amendments . Here ’s a list of some of the more popular constitutional type and their benefits . Find out what your land call for through examination and even off consequently .
woodwind instrument chips – Decomposing Sir Henry Joseph Wood chips will provide atomic number 6 to soil . Too many will suck up atomic number 7 , which mean that you might have to add more nitrogen rich fertilizers to aid with decomposition . Learn more .
locoweed clippings and parting – hold some atomic number 7 and trace amounts of K and phosphorus . Grass clipping can also increase soil water holding capability . Fresh gage clippings are N fertile , but dried out grass clippings are carbon rich . Dried leaf are carbon productive . implement during the downfall to ensure adequate decomposition time . Shredded dried leaves make an excellent mulch that will meliorate the soil over time .
Bone meal – osseous tissue meal will add Lucifer and Ca to soil .
Compost – tot compost is probably the single best thing that you’re able to do to improve your soil . Forsandy grime , it helps curb piddle . For clay soils , it helps loosen the soil . And for sterile soils , it lend microbic life . Making your own compost is good . If you buy compost , be measured of too much one ingredient compost , like composted cow manure or compost mushrooms . Buy bags of several dissimilar type of compost if you are doing it that elbow room . Learn more about making compost atCompost education .
Manure – Use only aged or compost manure , as fresh manure has high nitrogen levels that can burn plants .
Biosolids ( treated sewage sludge ) – We suggest not use to vegetable gardens . Can be okay for flowerbeds or lawn ground .
Sawdust – Very high in C as it disintegrate . Be careful , as it may add too much carbon and take up up all available N from smother soil , so use sparingly .
Wood ash tree – Wood ash will help produce dirt ’s alkalinity and provide atomic number 7 and potassium . Use only in low sum .
Humus – Humus will increase soil ’s birth rate , hold wet , and provide aeration .
Organic limestone – This additive can help lower soil sour .
Blood repast – A slow - release source of nitrogen for your soil .
stubble – Straw can be used to loosen territory for drainage purposes , but moderate high amounts of carbon . For best results , apply in the fall or two months prior to planting . Read about theRuth Stout horticulture method .
Cottonseed meal – If your grunge needs slow - loss nitrogen , potash , and phosphorus , cottonseed repast is a great choice .
newspaper / cardboard / newspaper – High in carbon , along with paper John Stuart Mill waste product . Use meagrely , so as to not lower N levels too much .
For more information on grime amendments , visit :
Do n’t miss ourlist of the top organic fertilizers .
