Ways for Improvement of Soil Structure

There are many ways for improvement of soil structure. Soil science and the science of soils are fascinating subjects. Improper or inappropriate soil structure can cause a lot of stress to the plant roots resulting in reduced yield, poor plant growth, and susceptibility to disease and insects. It also greatly affects the aesthetic appearance of the landscape. When the soil structure is poor, plants may not get sufficient air or water to pass through, which is a very important factor that affects the overall health of the plant.

1. Main Factors of Soil Texture

Soil texture depends upon so many factors like the presence of organic matter, its porosity and permeability. Soil structure also depends upon the form of soil, whether it is compressive or tensile. Soils are classified into two categories, these being primary (or primary) and secondary. Sub-types of soils include sand, gravel, silt, limestone, rock, compost, loose gravel, sand, fractured rock and pervious layer.

Factors like frequency and amount of water, sun, wind and snow bring about changes in soil structure. Soils are categorized as permeable or impervious. Soils which are permeable are subject to movement of water, air, work and waste products.

2. Adding Organic Amendments

There are various ways for improvement of soil structure available. This includes adding organic amendments or fertilizers, increasing the fertility of the soil through fertilization and encouraging swards and depressions, or manipulating the soil structure. These methods are usually employed when the soil is in poor condition due to over or malnutrition, or when the soil structure is considered to be unfit because of external factors (such as location of the building in a specific area). There are many ways for improvement of soil structure and most of these methods have varying effects on the quality of the soil. Some methods for improvement of soil structure can improve the quality of the soil immediately; others require time.

3. Proper Application of Fertilizers

Ways for improvement of soil structure include proper application of fertilizers and amendments. Fertilizers are divided into two categories – organic and inorganic. Organic fertilizers are those that come from plants, such as manure and compost, while inorganic ones are those that come from the soils and dead organisms. During the process of fertility management, the ratio of organic to inorganic materials in soils should be improved.

4. Operating the Tiller

In order to improve the soil structure, the tiller should be operated in a slow and gentle manner, not jerky. One should be careful to apply fertilizer in the right quantity and at the right intervals. After applying the fertilizer, the soil should be checked for stillness and for any lack of firmness. Any area that remains cloudy or dark after the fertilizer has been applied is an indication of lack of firmness.

5. Increasing Water and Organic Matter

Other ways for improvement of soil structure are by increasing the amount of water and organic matter in the soil. The water should be released from the root systems by rotations or by other means. It is important to add peat moss or other material that helps retain moisture in the soil. Fertilizer should also be added in the form of liquid, so that it does not remain on the surface of the soil. Liquid fertilizer can be applied directly to the soil or can be added to the plant’s root system by means of a syringe or a netting brush.

6. Adding Compost

The addition of compost or similar material will help to improve soil structure because the bulk of the soil mass is made up of organic matter such as decomposed leaves, fallen tree stems, bark and cellulose. These organic matter materials are rich in nutrients that are vital for plant growth. A well-composted soil also has a finer texture and excellent drainage.

7. Improvement by Mechanical Means

Another one of the effective ways of improving the soil quality of an area is through mechanical means. There are various mechanical devices that can be used for this purpose including tillers, mechanical sprays, and rototills. Tiller wheels and automated tiller units are examples of mechanical tillers. Rototills types of mechanical sprays that allow plants to be weeded without the use of any fertilizer.

8. Well-designed Irrigation System

A well-designed irrigation system that uses proper design can have very positive results. Other ways for improvement of soil structure include proper plant care, planting the right kind of seeds and fertilization and drainage. All of these processes should be well-balanced to provide good overall plant growth.

9. Most Effective Ways for Improvement of Soil Structure

The most effective ways of improving soil structure are by aerating the soil, improving fertility by adding nutrients, eliminating toxins and improving the soil’s ability to retain moisture. Adding organic matter, nutrients and microorganisms can also improve the quality of soil. Fertilizing the soil with compost, fish emulsion and organic wastes can help improve the quality of the soil and improve weed control. However, these methods for improvement of soil structure are best done after the seed planting and while the seeds are waiting for plants to start growing.