How to make clay soil more flexible

clay soil more flexible

Heavy soil, clay, clay ... Clay soil draws a whole bunch of unqualified people who say a lot about the difficulties one experiences in using them. However, if clay soils have many disadvantages, we should also be aware of some of the benefits, especially how to recognize their fertility.

Disadvantages of clay soil

Chip water

Gardeners who work year-round know it better than anyone: the main drawback of clay soil is that it retains excess water. If it rains heavily for a few days, the clay soil will quickly accumulate water and turn into a pit. The dirt is sticking to the boots and tools, which is so bad!

On the plant side, waterlogging leads to root suffocation. Although they are underground, gas exchange takes place at the roots.

Very dry

In the summer, it's the other way around! Clay earth becomes hardened pebble. In the heart of summer, during periods of heatwave or drought, it recedes and cracks deeply. Again, it is difficult to work with, because the tools do not sink into it, this time the clay soil is hard!

Slow to warm up

When you garden in clay soil, you will not immediately understand it. For example, we are always surprised to find that trees and shrubs have been planted for a few years before settling there. After this period (sometimes 3 to 5 years) they go into rapid growth. These plants provide what the clay soil prefers.

These observations are probably explained in two ways: First, the clay soil is cold soil, which struggles to warm up in the spring compared to other soils that store heat from March to June, which is profitable. To restart growth faster. In contrast, in summer, clay soils are often very hot!

Second, the compact structure of this soil is not conducive to easy root growth. Conversely, their good growth requires flexible and well-ventilated soil.

Advantages of clay soils

Fortunately, clay soils are not the only defects. Good land in many ways.

Limited irrigation

Except in the middle of summer, there is no shortage of water and no shortage of clay! Considered a disadvantage in many respects it is also an advantage because, if the water is well managed (drainage in winter), irrigation will be superfluous.

Fertile land

Another excellent quality of clay soil is its consistency and richness. Once established, trees and shrubs will find all the nutrients they need to grow and stay healthy.

Easy to upgrade!

Finally, there is no barrier in clay soils. It is very easy to upgrade, filter it, expel excess water quickly, lighten it by constantly changing it, ventilate and soften (even if it takes a long time). To improve its layout.

Make the clay soil more flexible

Long-term work

You can tell it right now, it's a long job for you, at least waiting for years. Because clay soil does not turn into good vegetable garden soil overnight, it is flexible and easy to work with. Soil creatures (because they are the real architects of change) take time to do their hard work.

2 Key Ideas to Guide Your Behavior to Lighten Your Clay Soil.

The land is always covered

Regardless of the season, do not leave your farmland empty. Mulch is essential. In winter, it will break down the organic matter and incorporate it into the clay soil, while controlling the occurrence of bumps and protecting the “shadow workers” from the cold.

In summer, mulch controls soil drying and plays the same protective role.

Regular contributions of organic matter

The second idea is to promote the proliferation of these microorganisms by continuously supplying organic matter. For example, in the fall, when the vegetable garden is empty, cut off the remains of the vegetable waste to attach them to the dead leaves collected from various parts of the garden. Add a large amount of compost and spread it over the surface of the earth, spreading 15 to 20 cm. Remember to ballast to keep the leaves from being scattered by the wind.

Microbes and earthworms will do the rest! They will take care of breaking down this organic matter throughout the winter and adding it to the surface layers of the soil, creating precious humus!

By repeating these gestures, from season to season, year after year, you can make your clay soil more flexible and a better growing medium for your plants and vegetables!