Digging in the field and tossing the resultant brown matter into a flowerpot does not provide the best environment for a little plant baby! (Read about the difference between topsoil and potting soil.) To make sure a tiny sprout gets all the necessary nutrients, is not exposed to pathogens, and its delicate roots can push through an accomodating growth medium, plant it in potting soil or potting mix. After all, if you care enough to cultivate a scion, you might as well envelope him in the Egyptian Cotton of soils, rather than an un-breathable poly-blend of dirt. There are distinct differences between the brown stuff (potting soil or mix) that potted plants grow best in and the brown stuff (top soil) that outside plants outside grow best in. Is all the rest of the brown stuff called dirt? what is soil?Land has different layers, called horizons. The upper layers have organic matter, including plant remains like leaves and twigs, as well as minerals. The deepest layer is bedrock. Soil is composed of bedrock and mountain stones that have broken down over eons by wind and rain. It is the earthy medium in which most plants grow. Its texture is determined by its components: sand, silt, and clay. Different plants thrive in different soil textures. A chart called a Soil Texture Triangle is used to classify different types of soils. Different areas in the triangle are scaled for the percentages of sand, silt, and clay. Typically, soils also contain minerals, as well as nutrients. The primary macronutrients plants need to grow are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Secondary macronutrients include calcium, magnesium and sulfur. There are also trace minerals, water, air, and organic matter within soil. what is dirt?Dirt is an ill-defined term. You can buy different kinds of soil, compost, and mulch, but you can only buy one kind of dirt: fill dirt. Fill dirt is unscreened subsoil that is extremely low in organic matter, may contain rocks and boulders, and is typically extracted from hillsides during construction or mining. Petunias, squash, and tomatoes may not grow very well in dirt. soil analysisTo achieve the best possible gardening results, the best practice is to find out your soil’s pH and fertility. This will help determine how much (if any) lime and fertilizer to apply for optimum plant growth. Soil testing should be done to determine the relative acidity of the soil (pH) and the level of several essential nutrients (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, manganese, copper, and zinc) needed. Test results will aid in plant selection, soil preparation, and fertilization. They will help avoid over fertilization, which can stimulate excessive plant growth and increase the likelihood of some diseases. Applying the correct amount of fertilizer can also help reduce water pollution, since excess nutrients that are unused by plants may enter the water supply. By applying the correct grade and amount of fertilizer, unnecessary pruning of excessive new growth can be avoided, and healthier, more productive plants will result. Do-it-yourself soil testing kits are sold at farming cooperatives, university and private labs, and hardware and gardening stores. Usually, these types of kits only test for the three "major nutrients" and soil acidity. Electrical meters that measure pH, water content, and sometimes nutrient content of the soil are also available for purchase. In New York State, Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) provides soil testing for nominal fees, will help interpret test results, and choose an appropriate course of action, if necessary. Soil samples should be taken from several random locations at a depth of 4-5 inches below the surface. CCE will test one cup of dry soil to determine its pH and nutrients. It is recommend that soil pH testing should be done every two or three years. correcting soil with poor phOverly acidic soils (low pH) need to be neutralized. Adding pulverized limestone (or dolomite limestone, garden lime, or agricultural lime) is a fast way to increase soil pH. However, it is easier to raise pH than to lower it, so add limestone very slowly. Wood ashes can also be used to raise pH, but require twice the quantity of lime to achieve the same effect. Lime may be applied to lawns, gardens, or shrub beds any time of the year that the ground is not frozen or the plants are not under stress from drought, insects, disease, or heat. The best time to apply lime is just after a rain in spring or fall so that the lime does not wash off the site. Although lime and fertilizer may be applied at the same time, it is best to apply lime at least three weeks before applying fertilizer. Overly alkaline soils (high pH) are neutralized with the addition of elemental sulfur, iron sulfate, or aluminum sulfate. Sulfur-based materials that lower pH require heat to react with the soil, so are best applied in spring. Soil texture, organic matter content, crop to be grown, target pH, soil acidity level, and type and the amount of clay are some factors that will need to be considered in rectifying soil pH levels. CCE or a soil testing lab will offer advice regarding adding lime or sulfur to the soil to adjust the pH according to plant needs. nutrientsSoil pH has an impact the soil's nutrient availability to plants. Plants need nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (macronutrients) as well as micronutrients to grow. Deficiency or excess of these elements will impact the health and productivity of crops. work with natureOther ways to improve soil quality are by growing a diverse number of plants and introducing organic matter and compost. Always work with nature, aiding when needed, rather than controlling or stopping natural processes. Plants can also be nourished with homemade plant food. Homemade fertilizer is cheaper, and does not contain added chemicals, as does commercial fertilizer. Make a dirt shirt!Tourist destinations in Arizona, Costa Rica, and Hawaii sell dirt shirts made with the native soil. The dirt provides an all-natural way to dye fabric. Have some fun as you create a Dirt Shirt and teach students the science behind how soil can be used to dye clothes! You can get step-by-step instructions about how to make a dirt shirt, as well as information about different types of soil and composting in this Terra Firma activity.
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AuthorGertrude Katz has spent over 30 years teaching K-12 public school students all major subjects. She has taught biology and education at the college level. The majority of her career has been spent instructing biology at the secondary level. Categories
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