What Can You Grow?

What can you grow?

        There are many different types of plants that you can grow on different types of soil. Our groups soil texture determined by feel methods was Sandy Clay Loam. Sandy loam soils are broken down into four categories, including coarse sandy loam, fine sandy loam, sandy loam and very fine sandy loam. The size of the sand particles is measured in millimeters and their concentration in the soil is used to determine which category a soil falls under. Sandy loam soils are made of approximately 60 percent sand, 10 percent clay and 30 percent silt particles.

Sandy loam soils have visible particles of sand mixed into the soil. When sandy loams soils are compressed, they hold their shape but break apart easily. Sandy loam soils have a high concentration of sand that gives them a gritty feel. In gardens and lawns, sandy loam soils are capable of quickly draining excess water but cannot hold significant amounts of water or nutrients for your plants. Plants grown in this type of soil will require more frequent irrigation and fertilization than soils with a higher concentration of clay and sediment. Sandy loam soils are often deficient in specific micronutrients and may require additional fertilization to support healthy plant growth. You can quickly identify sandy loam soil based on its physical characteristics. Pick up a handful of dry soil and slowly dribble water onto it. Work the water into the soil with your hand until it has a smooth consistency similar to putty. Hold the soil in your hand as though you are holding a pipe straight up and down and squeeze it. Sandy loam soils have a very gritty texture. If your soil is a sandy loam, it will form a cohesive ribbon of soil as it squeezes out between your thumb and finger that will fall apart before it reaches one inch in length.

Work Cited

Thompson, Daniel. "Characteristics of Sandy Loam Soil." Home Guides. SF Gate, n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2017.

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