The chemical composition of the soil and its structure are important indicators that need to be taken into account when farming. Features of the mechanical composition of the soil also affect fertility and productivity. This soil characteristic can be influenced in various ways, and it is possible not only to change the structure of the soil, but also to increase its nutritional value and fertility.
What it is?
The definition of mechanical composition means the percentage of mechanical elements in the soil.It is this parameter that determines the characteristics of the soil. The yield is influenced by the water-physical and thermal qualities of the earth.
When choosing crops for planting in beds, you need to pay attention to the differences between different types of soil. It is important to take into account the advantages and disadvantages of the land on the site and the possibilities for changing the structure and other characteristics of the soil.
Classification of soils by mechanical composition
The classification takes into account the ratio of physical clay and physical sand. The table shows the main soil types:
| Soil name | Share of physical clay, in % expression |
| Sand | 5-10 |
| Sandy loam | 10-20 |
| Clayey | 40-50 |
| Loam | 20-30 |
When assessing soils, the dimensions of mechanical elements are also taken into account. Based on this criterion, the soil is divided into rocky, gristly, sandy, and fine-grained. Fertile soil contains various nutrients (magnesium, potassium, copper, phosphorus, nitrogen, zinc, sulfur), but humus is considered the basis. The best soil is considered to be soil containing at least 10% humus.
Sandy
The loose structure of the soil is due to the high sand content (approximately 90%). Sand grains vary in size into small, medium and large. Advantages of sandy land:
- good water and breathability;
- light loose soils are easy to cultivate;
- The sand warms up quickly.
Among the disadvantages, it should be noted that the sand quickly cools and dries out. The main disadvantage is the lack of nutrients.
Sandy loam
This soil, containing a certain amount of clay inclusions, is characterized by the following advantages:
- retains heat longer when the temperature drops in the evening;
- organic fertilizers quickly decompose in the ground, which promotes the full development of plants;
- sandstone is saturated with water more slowly and does not dry out immediately.But at the same time, stagnation of water does not form, and the beds are not covered with bark;
- the soil does not form lumps and crumbles well;
- since the complexity of soil cultivation depends on the structure, there are no problems when cultivating sandstone;
- the soil does not stick to plant roots, making it ideal for growing root vegetables.
Disadvantages include a loose structure, poor retention of minerals in the upper layer (water washes fertilizers into the lower layers).
Clayey
The soil contains approximately 80% clay and 20% sand. The high mineral content can be seen as the only plus. Growing plants is very difficult due to numerous disadvantages:
- difficulty in processing due to increased soil hardness in dry weather and high viscosity in case of rain, after watering;
- the earth warms up slowly and does not allow air to pass through well;
- water accumulates on the surface after rains or when snow melts.
In wet weather, moisture slowly seeps in, and during periods of drought, the surface of the earth is covered with a hard, cracking bark.
Loamy
The soil is optimally suited for growing gardening crops. Soil benefits:
- excellent air and moisture conductivity;
- high content of nutritious minerals;
- ease of processing.
To ensure stable yields, it is necessary to maintain the fertility of the loam.
What types predominate in different regions of Russia
Conventionally, several types of soils can be distinguished, characteristic of different regions of the Russian Federation. Sandy and sandy loam soil is found in the Rostov, Volgograd, Astrakhan regions, Kalmykia and Dagestan.Most of the area of the Far East is occupied by loose tundra-gley soils. Loamy lands are common in the regions of central Russia.
Method for determining the mechanical composition of soil
A common way to assess soil composition is to form a small round lump of soil. If a ball thrown low falls apart when caught, it means that the ground contains most of the sand. If the ball retains its shape, the soil contains a lot of clay.
You can also determine the mechanical composition of the earth by looking at a small lump. When rubbed, alumina soil seems to stick to your fingers and does not crumble. Sandstone, even when wet, will crumble when rubbed with your fingers.
Importance for plants
On sandy lands you can grow pine trees, junipers, and some decorative flowers (marigolds, carnations) without any hassle. If you want to plant vegetables or strawberries, you need to improve the chemical composition and structure. Main activities: claying, application of mineral and organic fertilizers.
On sandy loam soil, subject to increased nutritional value, vegetable and berry crops and fruit trees bear fruit well. Coniferous shrubs and decorative flowers (asters, calendula, marigolds, herbal carnations) will actively develop. Since the yield depends on the fertility of the land, to increase it, manure and peat are regularly applied, green manure is sown, and the beds are mulched.
To make clay soil suitable for farming, the following measures are carried out: sand, peat, tree bark, and straw are added to make it loose; Fertility is increased with organic matter (rotted manure and peat are used).
With active farming, fertile soil quickly loses its benefits. Regular application of mineral supplements and compliance with crop rotation rules will help maintain soil nutrition. The same measures will increase the fertility of poor, poorly structured lands.
