Native Roots Garden Center Durango Colorado - Soils

Physical Properties• Soil types and particle size• Soil Profile• Soil PH• Nutrients• Salinity

Soil TypesParticle size

Soil Profile

Nutrients

• Nitrogen- Chlorophyll, proteins, nucleic acids• Phosphorus- nucleic acids, ATP• Potassium- Maintaining osmotic potential,

found in enzymes• Chlorine- Root and shoot growth,

photosynthesis• Sulfur- Component of most proteins

Soil PH

Lowering Soil PH

Sulfur Acid Fertilizer—Containing

Sulfur Do not use urea based

fertilizer

Salinity

Reducing Salinity•Water and plenty of it• Increase Organic Matter•Deep Tillage

Organic Amendments

•Peat Moss•Compost•Manure• Straw•Wood Products

Benefits of Organics• Increase Nutrient Holding

Capacity• Increase Water Holding Capacity• Increase Soil Perculation• Increase Aeration• Reduced Erosion

How Much Organics• 100 square feet• 12 inch depth• Desire 10% organic matter• 100 x 1 = 100 cubic feet x 10% = 10

cubic feet• 10 cubic feet / 27 cuft/yd = .3 cu yd• 10 cuft/ 2 cuft = 5 bags

Inorganic Amendments•Perlite•Vermiculite• Scoria• Sand•Glass

Benefits of Inorganics• Increase Aeration• Increase Water Holding

Capacity• Improve Root Growth• Lighten Container Mixes