Mario Bautista
Now is a good time to evaluate the soil and take steps to make it as healthy as possible
Soil tests are a great way to determine soil pH, nutrient content and organic matter content. (Photo: Hans Isaacson, Unsplash)
STILLWATER, Okla. — Before the lawn can look lush, the brightly colored flowers can bloom and the trees can provide glorious shade in the heat of an Oklahoma summer, the soil beneath the plants must be healthy. As gardening activities start to slow down, now is a good time to evaluate the soil and take steps to make it as healthy as possible before the growing season begins next fall.
Healthy soil includes ample organic matter, sufficient water-holding capacity, a good supply of nutrients and active biological life. Unfortunately, healthy soil is often removed from building sites during construction, which leaves new homes sitting on compacted soils that lack nutrients.
Before gardeners can build healthy soil, they have to know what they’re working with. Soil tests are a great way to determine soil pH, nutrient content and organic matter content. To find out the texture of the soil, gardeners can simply run their fingers through it. Sandy soils feel gritty, and clods break apart easily. Clay soils are sticky and clods are hard. A clay soil can be molded in your hands. Loam soils feel smooth in your hands and are easy to work. Loam soil is the ideal soil for gardening.
Surface and sub-soils are different across the state. Soil found in the panhandle area is different than what is found in southeastern parts of the state. Gardeners residing near a river may have sandy soil, and other areas will feature clay soil. Luckily, the secret to improving soil is the same for both conditions – and the secret is organic matter.
Organic matter is a term used to describe living and dead plant or animal materials, including compost, manure, straw, leaves, grass clippings or kitchen scraps. Organic matter enriches soil by providing a surface area where water and nutrients can bind. In clay soils, organic matter loosens structure to improve drainage. Organic matter also invites beneficial organisms into the soil. Soils rich in organic matter are going to have a darker color and many more nutrients.
Take advantage of the gardening off-season and add organic matter to the garden. It will decompose over the winter and build healthier soils. When gardening activities pick back up, gardeners will have a head start on growing beautiful plants, trees and shrubs in the landscape.
–OSU Extension
