Unearthing the Secrets of Soil: A Journey Beneath Our Feet

What Is Soil? 

Soil, often mistaken for mere dirt, is a complex and dynamic mixture of various components that form the foundation of terrestrial ecosystems. If you’re interested in gardening, it’s important to know your soil type because it can help you determine which plants are best suited for your garden, and how to care for them.

Different types of soil have different properties that affect how well they retain water, nutrients, and air.  Let’s delve into its intricate composition:

1. 1. 1. Minerals: Tiny rock particles, such as sand, silt, and clay, contribute to soil structure and provide nutrients for plant growth. The proportions of the minerals determine soil types. 
      2. Organic matter: The remnants of plants, animals, and microorganisms enrich the soil. Decomposed leaves, roots, and other organic materials create a fertile environment. Beneficial microbes break down organic matter, releasing nutrients for plants. 
      3. Air: Soil needs oxygen for root respiration and microbial activity. Air-filled pores allow gasses to circulate. Compacted soil restricts airflow, affecting plant health. 
      4. Water: Much like humans need water to survive, so do healthy soils! The availability of water affects plant growth, nutrient transport, and microbial processes. The rate of water movement through soil is affected by soil type. 
      5. Organisms: Beneath our feet, a bustling community thrives. Insects and smaller organisms like bacteria and fungi break down organic matter which enhances nutrient cycling.

The Soil Symphony: Types of Soil

• Loam Soil: Loam soil is the gold standard for gardeners. It strikes a harmonious balance between sand, silt, and clay. The texture is crumbly, allowing for good drainage while retaining essential moisture. Loam soil is rich in nutrients, making it ideal for plant growth. In Ontario, you’ll find native plants like: 
  • Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum): Lovely pink or purple flowers
  • Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Bright yellow petals with a dark centre
  • Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis): Stunning blue or purple spikes

• Clay Soil: Clay soil can be a challenge due to its heavy texture and slow drainage. Clay is made of extremely fine particles and can feel sticky when wet. However, it has its own charm and holds onto nutrients effectively. Native plants adapted to clay soil include:
  • Turtlehead (Chelone glabra): Unique white or pink flowers resembling turtle heads.
  • Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor): Striking blue or purple blooms.
  • Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis): Vibrant red flowers loved by hummingbirds.

• Sandy Soil: Sandy soil is well-draining but lacks nutrients. It consists of larger, visible sand particles that can feel gritty to the touch. The low nutrient content  can benefit from soil amendments for successful plant growth.  Look out for these native plants that appreciate the lack of water retention:

• • Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) Snowberry is a quite adaptable shrub
  • Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum): Does well in poor soils
    
  • Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata): Hardy plant that can handle road salt

• Silty Soil: Silty soil is smooth, fertile, and often found near riverbanks. It holds water better than sand and is often fertile with nutrients. It can be challenging for some plants to establish root systems however there are some native species that do well in silty soil. 
  • Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum): Tall and graceful with mauve flowers.
  • Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata): Spikes of purple flowers.
  • Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata): A favorite of monarch butterflies.

• Chalk Soil: Soils with a high chalk content are often gritty and dry to the touch with a distinctive light grey or white colour due to the high concentration of calcium carbonate. This type of soil has excellent drainage and will not get waterlogged however it can lead to nutrient leaching. Chalky or alkaline soil can be challenging, but some native plants adapt well
  • Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Clusters of white or pink flowers
  • Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana): Groundcover that thrives in the sun
  • Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis): Tolerant of sun and shade conditions

Nurturing Earth: Eco-Friendly Soil Improvement

• Clear Garden Beds and Pathways: Before embarking on any soil improvement journey, start by clearing your garden beds and pathways. Remove weeds, debris, and any unwanted vegetation. This step ensures a clean slate for your soil enhancement efforts.

• Sheet Mulching: Sheet mulching is an eco-friendly technique that enriches the soil while suppressing weeds. Here’s how to do it:
  • Materials Needed:
    • Cardboard or newspaper
    • Organic matter (such as straw, leaves, wood chips, or compost)
    • Water
  • Steps:
    • Lay down a thick layer of cardboard or several layers of newspaper over the soil.
    • Wet the cardboard or newspaper thoroughly.
    • Add a generous layer of organic matter (straw, leaves, or compost) on top.
    • Water the entire area well.
      
• Add Chopped Leaves: Fallen leaves are a valuable resource for soil enrichment. Collect and chop leaves to speed up decomposition. Mix them into the soil or create a leaf mulch layer on top. As leaves break down, they release nutrients and improve soil texture.

• Mulch Magic: Mulching is essential for soil health. Apply organic mulch (such as straw, wood chips, or shredded bark) around plants. Benefits include:
  • Moisture Retention: Mulch reduces water evaporation, keeping the soil consistently moist.
  • Weed Suppression: A thick layer of mulch prevents weed growth.
  • Temperature Regulation: Mulch insulates the soil, protecting it from extreme temperatures.

 

Remember, healthy soil is the foundation for thriving plants and a sustainable garden. Test your soil type to tailor your soil improvement strategies accordingly. Here’s how to test your soil. 

How to Test Your Soil Type:

1. Collect Soil Samples:
   • Use a trowel or soil probe to collect samples from different areas of your garden.
   • Take samples from the top 6-8 inches of soil.
2. Observe Texture:
   • Squeeze a handful of soil. Does it feel gritty (sandy), smooth (silty), or sticky (clayey)?
   • Loam soil will feel crumbly and balanced.
3. Perform the Jar Test:
   • Fill a clear jar with water and add soil.
   • Shake vigorously and let it settle.
   • Observe the layers: sand settles first, followed by silt, and then clay.
   • The proportions of each layer determine your soil type.
4. Consult Soil Charts:
   • Use soil charts or online resources to identify your soil type based on the proportions of sand, silt, and clay.

Remember, understanding your soil type empowers you to make informed decisions about plant selection, and natural soil amendments. 

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