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Organic Soil Amendments

 

Organic matter is vital to soil fertility and is especially necessary for clay and sandy soils. Make sure to amend your soil with organic matter because it releases nutrients as it decomposes into humus. Many types of organic amendments are available:

 

1.Manure contains more nutrients than most other amendments (aged manure avoids adding excess salts to the soil).
1.Municipal compost, homemade compost and mushroom compost are excellent amendments.
1.Peat moss increases acidity and is used in soils for acid-loving plants.
1.High-carbon amendments such as sawdust, wood shavings, and ground bark are often available (add nitrogen before use).
1.Redwood soil conditioner (made from the bark and sawdust of redwood trees) is fortified with nitrogen and is a common amendment.

 

Be generous when adding organic amendments. To prepare a plant bed, spread a 3 to 4-inch layer of amendment over the soil and dig or till into the top 9 to 12 inches for optimum plant growth.

Are you interested in learning more about composting in you own home/yard?  Check out Composting.