Do you know what your soil consists of? Most soils consist of sand loam and clay but in order to know what amendments you need to make your garden thrive, you need to know the ratios of each element in your soil. There is a simple way to determine the texture and basic ratio of soil content. This is done by touch. Here is the process:
1. Take a soil sample of your garden area. To get a good sample, you need to dig about six inches into the soil to get past the first profile. take about 1 cup of soil and sift it to remove any rocks or debris.
2. From your soil sample, take one tablespoon and put it in the palm of your hand. Add droplets of water with an eye dropper to just moisten the soil.
3. Look at the color of the moistened soil. Use this chart to determine the soil color. Dark soil color usually reflects the accumulation/concentration of soil organic matter masking the reds and yellows. Light colors may reflect both the weathering and the lack of soil organic matter accumulation. In more arid environments, light colors, gray and white may be an indication of the presence of carbonates, sulfates, or other salts.
Blue, green, and olive colors often reflect the drainage of a soil. Some soils have a "mottled" color pattern, or visible spots of colors in a surrounding matrix, which again suggest conditions of alternating cycles of bioreduction and oxidation. You can use the Munsell Soil Chart if you wish to determine a more detailed color.
4. After you look at the color, try to roll the soil into a ball. Does it roll easily or break apart? Now try to make a soil ribbon. What does the soil feel like? Is it smooth or gritty? Here is a great flow chart to help you determine soil type.
You can also visit the SoilWeb to find out more information about the soil rating in your area.
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