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Soil signs (symptoms and solutions)
2023-12-07
Prepared by Dr Emad Telfah Abdel Ghani
University of Anbar - The Upper Euphrates Basin Developing Centre
Soil signs are indicators of the health and condition of the soil in your yard or garden. They can help you identify problems such as compaction, poor drainage, nutrient deficiency, or pest infestation. By observing the soil signs, you can take appropriate actions to improve your soil and grow healthier plants. Here are some examples of soil signs and what they mean:
· Dry and hard soil. This is a sign of soil compaction, which means the soil particles are packed too tightly together, leaving little space for air, water, and roots to penetrate. Compacted soil can reduce plant growth, water infiltration, and nutrient availability. To fix this problem, you can aerate the soil by punching holes into it with a lawn aerator or a garden fork. This will loosen the soil and improve its structure and porosity.
· Uneven growth or bare patches. This is also a sign of soil compaction, as well as nutrient deficiency or imbalance. When the soil is compacted, some areas may receive more water and nutrients than others, resulting in uneven growth or bare patches where nothing grows. To fix this problem, it is recommended to aerate the soil, and also apply organic amendments such as compost, manure, or mulch. These will add organic matter and nutrients to the soil and improve its fertility and water retention.
· Poor drainage or waterlogging. This is a sign of poor soil structure or texture, which means the soil particles are either too fine (clay) or too coarse (sand), resulting in poor water movement and aeration. Poorly drained soil can cause root rot, fungal diseases, and nutrient leaching. To fix this problem, it recommended improving the soil texture by adding organic matter or sand. This will create aggregates of different sizes and shapes that will allow water to drain more easily and air to circulate better.
· Excessive thatch or algae. This is a sign of excessive moisture or fertilizer in the soil, which can encourage the growth of thatch (a layer of dead plant material) or algae (a type of aquatic plant) on the soil surface. Thatch and algae can prevent water and air from reaching the roots and also harbour pests and diseases. To fix this problem, it is recommended to reduce the amount of water or fertilizer you apply to the soil. Also, remove the thatch by raking or dethatching, and remove the algae by scraping or hoeing.
· Holes or mounds. This is a sign of animal activity in the soil, which can be beneficial or harmful depending on the type of animal. Some animals such as earthworms, ants, and beetles can help aerate the soil and decompose organic matter. Other animals such as moles, gophers, and voles can damage the roots and create tunnels that disrupt the soil structure. To fix this problem, it is recommended to identify the type of animal causing the holes or mounds and use appropriate methods to attract or repel them.
· Weed infestation. This is a sign of poor soil management or disturbance, which can create favourable conditions for weeds to grow. Weeds can compete with your plants for water, nutrients, light, and space, and also spread seeds or rhizomes that can be hard to eradicate. To fix this problem, you can prevent weed seeds from germinating by applying mulch or pre-emergent herbicides. You can also control existing weeds by pulling them by hand or using post-emergent herbicides.
By paying attention to these soil signs, you can diagnose and treat your soil problems effectively and efficiently. Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful garden, so make sure you take good care of it!
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