Question

How can you make a rich organic material soil if you have a silty clay loam?

Answer 1

If you need to raise the pH of your soil ground limestone and dolomitic limestone (also contains magnesium) are the organic gardener's choice. Their action is much slower and gentler than gardener lime. They are best applied in the autumn, at a rate of around 8oz/sq yd. If the soil is very acid, another application may be needed the following year but measure pH first. The full effect is felt in the second year.

Amending a soil is not the same thing as mulching, although many mulches also are used as amendments. A mulch is left on the soil surface. Its purpose is to reduce evaporation and runoff, inhibit weed growth, and create an attractive appearance. Mulches also moderate soil temperature, helping to warm soils in the spring and cool them in the summer. Mulches may be incorporated into the soil as amendments after they have decomposed to the point that they no longer serve their purpose