Sandy loam and loam are types of soils that are often found as soil-forming rock. They influence the soil and directly determine its mechanical composition. Let's look at the differences between sandy loam and loam, their features, composition and properties. What soil is preferable to choose for growing plants and why, where to buy good quality soil.
Features of loam
Can hold from a third to a half of clay particles less than 0.01 mm in size, the rest is sand.When combined with water, the plasticity of the soil increases; loamy soil can be identified by a rope that does not break into pieces when pressed, but cracks form on it.
The porosity of loam is quite high; it absorbs water well and retains it. Density increases with increasing content of clay particles. Loam warms up, allows water to pass through, and gets wet more slowly than sandy soils, but faster than clay.
Specifics of sandy loam
Sandy loam determines the mechanical composition of the soil. This is the name of the soil, which consists mainly of sand and dust particles, the content of which is 80-90%. Clay particles in sandy loam from 10 to 20%. Sandy loams in which there are many clay particles are called heavy, those in which there are few are called light. The level of soil plasticity is from 1 to 7; a bundle of sandy loam easily crumbles when you try to change its shape. The porosity of sandy loam is low; it contains less moisture than soil containing a large number of clay particles.
Sandy loam soils quickly absorb moisture and allow it to pass more easily into the lower layers, so they get wet easily, but dry out just as quickly. They warm up quickly in the spring and cool down in the fall. They do not differ in structure; this is another difference between sandy loam and loam.
What is the difference?
Sandy loam and loam differ in physical characteristics, density, plasticity, composition of particles included in them, the difference is manifested in appearance. Soil with a high content of clay or sand finds various uses in construction, agriculture and other fields of activity.
If we consider agriculture, then sandy loam and loam have advantages and disadvantages. Sandy soil is good for growing early vegetables and is easy to cultivate.But it requires regular watering and fertilization, since nutrients do not linger in the upper horizons and are washed out along with water into the lower ones.
Loam retains moisture, nutrients and organic matter better, which makes it easier to care for plants, but it remains cold longer in the spring, and after moistening it compacts and cracks. When growing plants on loam, be sure to loosen it after rain and lay mulch to prevent drying out. Loamy soil is often acidic, so it needs to be deacidified.
What soil to choose
When comparing between loamy and sandy loam soil, loamy soil is preferable for growing plants, but only if it is not too heavy. Most of the most fertile soils are based on loam. But it requires constant care, digging and loosening. Without agrotechnical measures, plant productivity will be reduced.
Where can I buy
For land and construction work, you can buy sandy loam and loam from construction companies. They are used in landscape design, for landscaping sites, leveling and compacting building sites, road surfaces, and for filling uneven terrain and pits.Soil is inexpensive and is sold and transported in bulk in large volumes.
Both sandy loam and loam form the basis of fertile and not very fertile soil. They determine the particle size distribution and affect the physical properties. The particles of a certain size that predominate in them determine their features, advantages and disadvantages. For successful use in agriculture, both require agricultural measures to improve properties.
