Soil Introduction

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Plant: Pansy

PansyViola x wittrockiana Plant type: Annual, Biennial*, Perennial* USDA Hardiness Zones: 7b - 11 Height: 6" to 12”, Spread: 6 - 12" Exposure: full sun, *part shade Bloom Color: Blue, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, White,

Yellow Bloom Time: Early to late spring, not summer, Mid fall

to Early winter Uses: Bedding plants, containers *Pansies are cool season flowers. They may or may

not survive summer heat or winter cold.

Tilthe Physical condition of soil,

especially in relation to its suitability for planting or growing a crop.

The ability of the soil to form stable aggregates

Improved by the addition of organic matter

Improves both moisture holding and drainage.

Improves the microbial balance of the soil

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Good Bad

What is soil made of?

Mineral material - different sizes Sand Silt Clay

Organic matter decayed remains of plants and animals Soil microbes – especially fungi

Air Water

How much?

Mineral – less than ½ Organic – only 5% Most is pore space

Water Air

If the soil is compacted, how would the percentages change?

Soil Particle Size

Compaction

Why do you sink in a ball pit?

All particles are the same size Cannot compact Pore space is always

the same Readjust position

If particles were different sizes: Small particles are

forced into pore spaces Compaction

Types of Soils

Particle Size Sand Silt Clay

Soil Classification Sandy Soil Clayey Soil Loamy Soil

Drainage

The ability to hold just the right amount of water is the soils drainage

Drainage is measured by percolation tests Sandy soils don’t hold enough water Clay soils hold too much

Water – what is available for plants? Percolating water Capillary water Adhesive (bound) Ground water

Soil Improvement

Drainage & Aeration: Create Aggregates

Lime & gypsum Organic Matter

Add earthworms Raised beds

Moisture Retention Organic Matter Mulches

Tillage??

Good Break up clumps Mix in soil

amendments Remove rocks &

roots Shape the soil

Raised bed or furrow Remove weeds

Bad Increased erosion Can hurt soil

aggregates Wet soil Clay soil

Can disrupt earthworm and fungi

When can soil be worked in Spring? Must crumble when worked Dig about 6” down If a hand-full of soil forms a tight ball after

releasing pressure, it needs to dry more Working soil too soon in spring causes

compaction

Soil texture testing

Need samples Clay area behind greenhouse Sandy soil mixed Garden soil

Texture test Suspension Test