There are majorly four types of soil, namely loam, sandy, clay and silt.

Gardening and being a plant parent is not only refreshing but is also a fun activity to do. But before you “dig in” to be the plant parent, here is a blog to guide you on soil properties, their benefits, what to avoid, etc., to bloom your favorite plant. It could be said that the soil is the single most fundamental to accelerate and begin the process of gardening. It has several things that nurture the overall growth of the plant. It has various organisms that improve the soil quality, provide nutrients, control pests, etc. It forms the fundamentals of the plants’ food and is also where the plants grow.

Table of Contents

There are majorly four types of soil, namely-

Loam
Sandy soil
Clay soil
Silt soil.

What are the physical properties of soil?

Let’s now discuss some of the major properties of the soil and why they are important for your gardening.

Colours

Different soils have different colors. For example, the soil can be red, black, or white. Different colors depict other properties of the soil. For instance, red indicates the presence of iron oxide, whereas black indicates that the soil is rich in minerals.

Presence of air in the soil

The soil can be sandy or may have a clay-like texture. It is important to note that the sandy type of soil has a lot of space between it, making it easier and better for plants as it has an area for the air to pass through and lets the plants breathe. But, at the same time, the clay-like soil might not be that suitable for the plants when it comes to passing the air.

Percolation rate of the soil

When an individual pours water into the sand, the water gets absorbed. This process is called percolation. It’s when the water passes through the sand and finally reaches the roots. The sandy soil, i.e., soil with loose particles, has easy percolation; on the contrary, the clay-like soil does not go that easily when it comes to water absorption. Usually, sandy soil is favorable to house plants. Still, when paddy crops are planted (which require a lot of water to remain on the surface, for instance, rice crops), then a low percolation-rated soil is more favorable.

Texture

Different soils can have different textures. The three major ones are the clay, silt, and sandy soil. The clay soil has the largest particles and no gaps between them; hence they feel smooth in texture. Then comes the silt soil, which has slightly smaller particles. Lastly is the sandy soil, which has tiny particles, which is why it feels rough in texture.

Moisture

The texture of the soil determines the moisture retention in the soil. The texture and moisture go hand in hand. For example, the clay soil has the most water, whereas the sandy soil has the least.

Best kind of soil for plant growth

Source

We must understand that different soils are favorable for other plants. For example, if you have a flowerpot, you may want to get potting soil as it is the best soil for flower pots. The second option is the sandy loam soil which is also suitable for flower pots. Additionally, it is always advised to avoid getting soil from the garden to plant an indoor plant, as the garden soil is much more vulnerable and may have bacterias that can harm your indoor plants. If a person wants to use the garden soil, they can sterilize the ground and use it for the house plants.

The other alternative can be to go for commercial potting soil. It is made organically and has numerous benefits for house plants. If you plan to grow a vegetable garden, you may want to include compost and organics and ensure the soil isn’t sandy. It is also cardinal to have an appropriate pH level of the soil for the house plants, the most favorable pH is from 6 to 7 and should always be maintained.

Next, it is important to add organic matter to your soil from time to time. For example, you can add old compost leaves, manure, etc., to make it more fertile and suitable for your house plants. These will not only help the plants nurture and grow but also save and minimize the need for fertilizers. Additionally, it also improves the overall health of the soil.

Conclusion

Plants form an essential part of our lives. It adds to the decor or provides multiple benefits; therefore, we must maintain a favorable environment for all the house plants. Therefore, selecting the soil according to the type of houseplant you are planning to plant is very important.

To take good care of the soil, know the physical properties of soil or one can even get soil testing kits to keep the pH levels in check. Nowadays, there are numerous options to select soil from. One can even make their soil mix if one wants to. This way, they can control all the properties they want for their soil.

FAQs

Can I buy one particular type of soil?

Yes, you can go to a nursery or, nowadays, even order online the type of soil that you are looking for, for your plants.

What does organic matter include?

There is no particular formula for organic matter. However, you can include leaves, manure, seaweed products, etc. make an excellent organic matter.

What happens if I use soil not favorable for a particular plant?

It is highly advised not to use soil that is not favorable for the plant. It may lead to the plant dying as it would be difficult for the plant to survive in those conditions.

What is the pH level?

PH level determines whether the soil is acidic or alkaline. pH level above 7 is alkaline and acidic below 7.

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