Soil, along with water and sunlight, is necessary for a healthy lawn. Soil, however, is a much more complicated subject than it would appear on the surface.
Different plants and trees need different levels of nutrients and soil density not to mention pH levels.
In addition, there are numerous types of soil including clay and sand that have vastly different properties for soil conditioning. Therefore if you are unsure of how to proceed, speaking with an expert lawn care technician is always recommended.
Furthermore, in this article, we’ll discuss what soil conditioning is, how to do it, and some of its benefits.
What is Soil Conditioning?
Soil conditioning simply means helping the soil be as healthy as possible. One aspect of this is making sure the soil is not compacted and doesn’t have large clumps because that inhibits root growth.
This also requires the soil to be well aerated, having enough space for oxygen within the soil. Further, the soil needs to be able to hold water while also not becoming oversaturated, meaning the soil needs to drain well.
Finally, all soils have nutrients, but some soils, like clay, are capable of retaining more nutrients while also suffering from compacting or large clumps.
It is a balance of working with the soil to get it to its healthiest point and that means knowing where the starting point is for your soil.
How to Condition Soil?
Now that we understand the basics of what soil conditioning is, another question naturally arises – how do we condition the soil? This section falls into two main categories: organic soil conditioners and inorganic soil conditioners.
First, a list of common organic soil conditioners contains animal manure, compost, worm castings, and peat moss. These benefit the soil by helping to improve its structure, porosity, and nutrients.
Additionally, cover crops can be used to help prevent soil erosion while adding nutrients back into the soil. Second, a list of inorganic soil conditioners includes gypsum, perlite, vermiculite, and pulverized limestone.
These conditioners help with soil porosity, water-holding capacity, and calcium, while pulverized limestone is used specifically for pH levels.
Both organic and inorganic soil conditioners are necessary to get your soil to its healthiest state.
What are the Benefits of Soil Conditioning?
If you have exposed soil it is best to use both organic and inorganic soil conditioners and mix them in really well with a hoe or a rototiller depending on the size of the area.
An established lawn or garden means it will be necessary to put the soil conditioners onto the surface and then water them in. Either way, the soil conditioners must be applied directly to the necessary area for there to be any effect.
Once the initial work of putting the soil conditioners down and mixing or watering them in, the benefits do not take long. The soil will hold more oxygen as well as being able to retain and drain water appropriately.
Also, any plants and trees as well as the lawn will likely grow more thickly and quickly because of the additional nutrients in the soil.
Ask The Experts at Gecko Green!
It is good to have a basic knowledge of soil conditioners if you have a lawn or a garden.
However, it can be time-consuming to get your soil tested and then gather all of the organic and inorganic soil conditioners necessary to get your space healthy.
Why not call Gecko Green instead? Let the experts evaluate your lawn and provide aeration, weed control, and fertilization. Don’t hesitate, call Gecko Green today before the busy season begins.
