Improve Clay Soil In 5 Easy Steps

Clay soil makes a great foundation for planting soil, but it needs a bit of conditioning first. Not only does clay soil need to be aerated, it also needs to have some vital nutrients added. Clay soils are usually low in organic compounds necessary for life of all types, including plants and the microorganisms which make them possible. The good news is that conditioning clay soil is not a difficult process, and can be accomplished in 5 easy steps.

Step 1: Defining a Work Area

While not specifically necessary, working in small areas makes calculating materials easier, and prevents the loss of plant nutrients through sudden rain showers or high winds. To simplify things, mark out one area at a time, approximately 10 feet square. If you are not using a tape measure, 10 feet is roughly equivalent to 3 long strides. For each 10-foot square section, you will need approximately 1 cubic yard each of sand and humus material.

Step 2: Turning the Clay Soil

The existing top soil for clay soil is usually very thin. The first step in conditioning clay is to turn the existing soil, including the top soil, down to a depth of around 6 to 8 inches. The fastest way to do this is with a garden tiller, but a potato rake or pitchfork will work well if necessary. If turning the soil by hand, wear gloves to avoid blisters. Initially turning the clay soil for the first time will take patience when doing it by hand, as the clay will tend to clump together.

Step 3: Adding Sand

Broadcast the sand over the prepared area. If you have a garden spreader available, it will make broadcasting the sand and humus much easier. Otherwise, use a flat-bladed shovel, and distribute the sand by slinging it over the area to be covered. Take care not to concentrate too much in one spot. Once the sand is in place, turn the soil twice, once lengthwise and again side-to side. Sand is used to separate the fine particles of clay soil, and it is important that the clay is mixed well with the sand. Any random handful of soil should be clay colored, but have a grainy feel rather than the typical slick texture of clay.

Step 4: Adding Humus

Spread the humus just as you did the sand, and turn the soil twice, as before. In addition to nitrogen and other compounds used for plant growth, compost or humus also contains various types of bacteria and soil fungi. These microorganisms aid in the decomposition of plant matter, and help to keep the soil healthy. The resulting soil after application should be much darker, with only a faint graininess. When a handful of the soil is clenched in your fist, it should maintain the shape when your grip is released.

Step 5: Notes on Soil Acidity

Experts disagree on the importance of soil acidity. Most will say that the pH level should be between 6.2 and 6.8, while others say that acidity is not a big factor, and will be corrected automatically by the plants and soil conditioning. If the acidity is above a pH of 7, add 1 bag of lime per each 10 foot square section, and till the soil as you did for the sand and compost.