What lies beneath

No matter where in the country you live, the soil conditions are rarely perfect. Soil quality is something we have to work for. Enter: soil amendments.

Technically, soil amendments are materials you add to the soil to improve its physical or chemical properties. Some amendments are designed to improve water uptake and or retention; others improve fertility by altering soil pH. Some address issues with texture which, when improved, can encourage root growth.

Depending on which state you are in, there are labeling restrictions regarding what materials can specifically be marked as soil amendments. (Compost may not be labeled as such, though it is widely used to amend soils.)

For the full story, in the January issue, click here.