Preparing old soil for planting is a good idea during the autumn. This will enhance the soil’s water-holding capacity and plant resistance to drought. There are three general types of soil: loamy, sandy, and clay. Squeezing the soil into a ball will reveal the texture of each type. Loamy soil is the best for planting, containing a perfect balance of fine and coarse particles, varying amounts of organic matter, and a good amount of water-holding capacity.
Organic matter is the best way to improve soil
If you are trying to improve old soil for planting, the best solution is to add organic soil conditioner to it. This material helps the soil hold water and nutrients and allows your plants to grow and flourish. This material also improves the structure of your soil. It contains living organisms that break down dead plant matter and decay it into ingredients that bind soil particles and allow them to drain and retain moisture. It also allows roots to spread more easily.
You can also store the organic matter for later use. You need to keep in mind that you should cover the container with a rainproof material to prevent the nutrients from washing away. You should also prevent weed seeds from entering the container. In order to use organic matter, it must be well-rotted. It should be added to the soil regularly for it to continue its beneficial effect.
Compost is one of the best amendments for old soil because it can help make it more productive and reduces weeds. The best compost is plant-based, as it contains less salts than animal manure composts. You can also use old organic mulch as a soil amendment. Once it breaks down, it can become an excellent garden soil.
Organic matter can also be used to improve light sandy soil. The organic material in the soil helps it retain moisture and nutrients. It takes time to improve your soil, so be patient. You will benefit from the process in the long run.
Cover crops add nitrogen to soil
A good cover crop will provide multiple benefits for your planting plot. You will want to choose one that is easy to grow and can be harvested early before the seed heads form. Otherwise, the plant will mature into hard woody stems, and unwanted seeds will sprout. Depending on the type of cover crop you choose, it may take up to two or four weeks to break down. It is best to plant cover crops that grow quickly in short rotations.
Legumes, for example, will add nitrogen to old soil and suppress weeds, while at the same time improving soil health. They grow up to 12 feet tall, and their heads look similar to cattails. They are best planted in midsummer. Their high nitrogen-scavenging ability to prevent erosion make them popular cover crops.
Legumes will also enrich the soil. Their roots, leaves, and stems will transfer nitrogen to the soil. Legumes that are able to set seed will store approximately 80% of the nitrogen in their seeds. As a result, the plants will need a starter fertilizer of 30 to 50 pounds of N per acre.
Legumes are the most common cover crop for adding nitrogen to old soil. They have symbiotic relationships with soil bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia, which plants can use. Other non-legumes, on the other hand, will take up nitrogen from the soil. By doing so, they prevent nitrogen from leaching into groundwater. As cover crops break down, they also release nitrogen to the soil, which can be used by the next crop.
The effectiveness of cover crops depends on the depth of the soil and its root density. Thorup-Kristensen and Rasmussen (2015) studied the root depth of 20 cover crops and found that dyer’s woad and viper’s bugloss were the two deepest cover crops, while non-leguminous cover crops had lower root depths.
Acidic soils can be buffered with limestone
Limestone is a valuable buffering agent for soils, but the right amount of limestone depends on the type of soil and the original pH of the soil. In addition, the amount of limestone you need to add depends on the organic matter content and clay content of the soil. Generally, sandy soils have lower organic matter and clay content, so you can use less limestone.
Limestone is a good buffering material for soils that are high in acidity. The proper amount should be applied to the soil at the seedbed stage, and it should not exceed seven inches of soil depth. Agricultural limestone is slow to dissolve, and it takes time to move the calcium and magnesium into the soil profile. However, it binds to humus and clay particles.
The acid neutralizing potential of limestone is based on the fineness of the limestone’s particle size and chemical purity. Limestone with a high calcium carbonate equivalent will neutralize the acidity of the soil. It should have a neutralizing value of at least ninety percent.
When using lime, make sure to read the product label carefully. Most ground limestone contains fine particles, and you should obtain a physical analysis from the supplier before using it in your planting. In some cases, pulverized lime or super fine lime is used. A large proportion of these particles are fine enough to react quickly.
Avoid covering the crown of a plant with organic material
Plants shouldn’t be covered with mulch to protect their crowns. The crown is the portion of a plant below soil level that generates buds for the next growing season. Covering the crown with mulch can upset the plant’s biology and lead to crown rot. It also hinders proper air and drainage.
Avoid working the soil if it is very wet
While many gardeners prefer to till the soil before planting, this can cause compaction and reduce root penetration. It is best to wait until the soil is semi-dry and not too wet. A simple test can help you determine whether the soil is dry enough to till. Poke a small amount of soil to see if it crumbles or falls apart.
Old soil for planting must be free of moisture. It should crumble when lightly poked. If the soil does not crumble easily, it is too wet to work. Adding sand can make clay soils like concrete. Adding organic matter can help loosen the soil.
