Soil Sense: Neil Ross dishes the dirt on great soil with advice on finding out your soil type, plus tips to improve it

摘要

Dig holes about twice the depth of a spade. Slice one side cleanly to see how the different layers are arranged. The darker, more easily worked top layer is the topsoil; the paler, denser stuff is the subsoil, which is often rich in nutrients but structurally poor with very little organic matter. If the topsoil is missing (in new sections or subdivisions, topsoil is often removed to make building easier) you'll need to replace it or restrict yourself to gardening in raised beds. If there is hardpan (a line of red brown soil) you need to break it up. Hardpan is compacted soil that blocks fine roots and water. If soil above the line is grey and smelly, it may be waterlogged. You need to cultivate the soil to break it up.