3 MAJOR SOIL TYPES

There are three major soil types to choose from for different purposes, knowing the type of soil helps determine its strengths and weaknesses.

SAND SOIL - are the result of the weathering and disintegration of a variety of rocks, it have a high proportion of sand and little clay, also known as light soil. This loose soil drain quickly after rain or watering and are easy to cultivate and work. They warm up more quickly in the sunshine than clay soils. But on the downside, they dry out quickly and are low in plant nutrients, which are quickly washed out by rain. Sandy soils are often very acidic and have a pH of 5.0 or below. As sandy soils don't allow the water to pool around the roots plants such as thorny shrubs and cacti along with some flowering plants such as tulip and hibiscus can be considered for sandy soil. Therefore sandy soil is a good choice for plants that have a tendency to suffer from root decay.

SILT SOIL - holds moisture and nutrients for a long time this soil consist of fine particles that can be easily compacted by treading and use of machinery. It is prone to washing away and wind erosion, if left exposed to the elements without plant cover. However, they contain more nutrients than sandy soils and hold more water, so it tend to be quite fertile. Brightly coloured flowers, verdant grasses and green vines need this moisture.

CLAY SOIL – are rich in nutrients and very fertile, it is the heaviest, most compact soil. If the particles can be broken up by the addition of organic matter to separate the crumbs, it will make the water and nutrients held within the clay, more easily available to plant roots. Breaking up the clay into crumbs also makes the soil warmer, more easily workable and less prone to compaction. Wisteria, rhododendrons and most of the blossoming perennials will flourish in clay soil.

When the 3 major soil types are combined what is it called?