Every gardener dreams of harvesting a good harvest from his plot. This requires fertile soil. When reading information on gardening portals and in print publications, people often come across the definitions of “soil” and “soil” without understanding the difference. Despite the similarity of concepts, they differ significantly. We will talk about the difference between soil and soil.
What is meant by the term “soil”
The top fertile layer of earth suitable for growing plants is called soil. It provides plantings with nutrients, oxygen, water, and essential microelements.
The fertility and thickness of this layer depends on the climate, which is responsible for the rate of decomposition in the surface layer of organic remains of rotten grass and foliage, the possibility of reproduction and development of beneficial insects (for example, earthworms), capable of processing the organic component of the upper layer, saturating it with oxygen, loosening large lumps. Rainfall, wind and water erosion also affect soil quality.
Wind erosion is the movement of tiny particles of the fertile layer due to strong winds or weak, constantly blowing winds. Water erosion occurs when rivers flood and melt water flows from slopes.
In warm climates, in areas without sudden temperature changes and with sufficient rainfall, the soil is more fertile; the layer that ensures the growth and development of plants, supplying them with the necessary elements, can be more than a meter. In the temperate climate zone and as we move towards northern latitudes, the thickness of the fertile layer decreases and is only a few centimeters.
Description of the term "earth"
It has several meanings. This is the name of the planet, the definition of the space not occupied by water, and it is also the name for the fertile soil necessary for the development of plants and other forms of life in the surface fertile layer rich in organic matter. The terms "earth", "soil" and "soil" are often used by gardeners. In relation to the garden, the first two have the same meaning.
How to distinguish high-quality soil from earth
Over time, the soil on the dacha plot is depleted, the yield decreases, and then there is a need to bring new fertile soil to the plot.
There are several types of substance:
- Plant soil is a multicomponent mixture consisting of sand, peat and humus in a ratio of 10% + 10% + 5%. The basis of this mixture is sifted soil, freed from pebbles and plant debris. It is suitable for lawns, flower beds, and landscape compositions.
- Fertile soil is considered to be a complex of the same components, but in a higher percentage of components. It contains 10% sand, which prevents clumping and caking of the soil, and 30% each of peat, soil and compost.
- Chernozem is a type of top fertile layer that is especially valued by summer residents and contains a large number of unique organic compounds. It is mixed with the soil on the site, significantly increasing its fertility.
- Peat is an organic compound that can lighten heavy soils and make them more moisture- and breathable.
Regular soil added to the plot will not improve the yield. It is very different from fertile soil, suitable for construction work, but not suitable for increasing soil fertility in a garden or country house. When purchasing primer, you need to pay attention to its color (it should be uniform, dark in color); it is a loose, crumbly substance that is not prone to caking. Pay attention to the presence of foreign odors and acidity.The acidity level is checked using litmus strips.
Of course, the soil in a summer cottage or in a vegetable garden needs increased nutrition. Sowing green manure, fertilizing with organic matter (humus, manure), adding fertile soil - all this allows you to prevent complete depletion, maintain and increase productivity.
