The Physical Characteristics of Healthy Soil: A Guide
Healthy soil is the backbone of successful growing, and the physical characteristics of soil directly impact how well plants can thrive. So what exactly are the physical characteristics of soil? Physical soil characteristics, or physical soil traits, refer to the tangible characteristics of soil, from texture and structure to depth, porosity, and drainage. These traits influence how well soil can support plant roots, retain water, and allow air to flow.
This post explores the physical characteristics of soil tilth, soil depth, soil porosity and drainage. It will also detail what each trait means and why they matter for your crops. Let’s dig in.
Soil Tilth: The Foundation of Healthy Soil
Soil tilth is the overall physical condition of soil, and this term particularly refers to soil’s suitability for planting and growing crops. Soil with good tilth will have a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay, and it will be rich in organic matter.
Good tilth also means soil is easy to work with, crumbly to the touch (not too hard or too soft), and has a structure that supports healthy root development. This creates an ideal environment for seeds to germinate and for roots to spread and reach the water and nutrients they need to support the plant.
So, what contributes to good soil tilth? The stability of soil aggregates (small clumps of soil particles), moisture content, and the level of aeration (how much air is in the soil) all play a part in good soil tilth and the physical characteristics of soil.
Soil Depth: Room to Grow
Sufficient soil depth is another critical physical characteristic, or trait, of healthy soil. Roots need sufficient space to grow; as they reach into the soil, they seek out nutrients, water, and symbiotic relationships with soil organisms. Have you ever pulled a plant out of the ground at the root? You probably noticed that different plants have various root depths, and it’s essential for each plant to have the right amount of space to grow to its fullest potential.
In contrast, if soil is shallow – which can be due to compaction or erosion – plants can struggle to develop strong root systems. This leaves plants more vulnerable to drought and other environmental stressors, and can limit their ability to access water and nutrients.
Soil Porosity and Drainage: Balancing Water and Air
Water and air are two essential elements in healthy soil. Good porosity and drainage are vital for maintaining a healthy balance of water and air. Porosity, the small spaces (pores) within the soil that hold water and air, is crucial because roots and soil microbes need a balance of water and air to survive and thrive.
While soil needs to retain enough moisture to support plant growth, it also requires a healthy amount of drainage. Good drainage helps water move efficiently through soil, preventing it from becoming waterlogged, which can suffocate roots and reduce microbial activity.
Why the Physical Characteristics of Soil Matters
Understanding the physical characteristics of soil is an essential step towards your overall soil health knowledge. Good soil tilth, depth, and proper porosity and drainage all contribute to a healthy soil structure that supports robust plant growth and building better soil. By working towards optimal levels of each of these factors, growers can enhance the physical traits of soil and set the stage for successful harvests for years to come.
What’s your plan to improve your physical soil characteristics?
How Microalgae Supports the Physical Characteristics of Soil
Live, native microalgae can boost soil health in several ways:
- Loosens Soil: Live microalgae can contribute to breaking down compacted soil, creating more space for air and water.
- Improves Porosity: By loosening the soil, algae can increase its porosity, which enhances water infiltration and oxygen availability. All these are key factors for healthy root development and microbial activity.
- Boosts Water Retention: The exopolysaccharides (EPSs) produced by live, native microalgae also help the soil retain moisture, which can contribute to more economical water use, like reduced watering frequency and runoff prevention.
As you can see, microalgae might be ‘micro’ but their benefits sure are macro, which is why we focus on these tiny powerhouses at MyLand. By addressing these physical soil traits, we help growers build healthier soil.