BBC Radio 4's long running radio show 'Gardeners' Question Time' has recently released the top 10 questions asked by their audience. Coming in at number 4 is:
'...How do identify my soil type?...'
On this outing, the question has been answered by popular panelist Bob Flowerdew.
Some are a gardener's dream (such as a good loam) others need more consideration.
Clay soil: The heaviest clay soils sticks to your boots when wet or even moist.
It will collect pools of water after heavy rain. Clay soil may turn to concrete in hot weather.
Chalk soil: This is a thin soil with many white particles and bits. It usually has chalk not very far underneath. It may stick to your boots when wet but soon dries to a powdery texture when hot. Chalk soil is always alkaline.
Loamy soil: This is generally grainy, easy to dig and only sticks when wet.
Silty soil: This contains particles smaller than sand. It can be acid or alkaline depending on chalky bits.
Peaty soil: This is spongy, dark, with lots of semi-floating bits when mixed in water. It is usually acid.
Stony soil: Any of the above soil types can contain stones. Stones impede cultivation but do no harm to the plants.
If it is reddish, your soil contains plenty of oxidized iron, indicating that it is at least well drained and aerated. If the subsoil is grey and smears. it is anaerobic and needs draining and aerating.
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Photo care of http://hubpages.com/topics/home/gardening/soil-for-gardening/3194 and http://www.amateurgardening.com/home/bob-flowerdew-stokes-the-peat-debate/
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