CHAPTER 2 - SOIL AND WATERWhen dry soil is crushed in the hand, it can be seen that it is composed of all kinds of particles of different sizes.Most of these particles originate from the degradation of rocks; they are called mineral particles. Some originate from residues of plants or animals (rotting leaves, pieces of bone, etc.), these are called organic particles (or organic matter). The soil particles seem to touch each other, but in reality have spaces in between. These spaces are called pores. When the soil is 'dry', the pores are mainly filled with air. After irrigation or rainfall, the pores are mainly filled with water. Living material is found in the soil.
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Share this: The water retention by soil is critical for plants and acts as the chief source of moisture for it in almost all habitats. Other than percolation through the soil, soil moisture can also deplete due to evaporation directly from the soil and by transpiration by plants. As based on the size of the soil particles.
It can be live roots as well as beetles, worms, larvae etc. They help to aerate the soil and thus create favourable growing conditions for the plant roots (Fig. The composition of the soilIf a pit is dug in the soil, at least 1 m deep, various layers, different in colour and composition can be seen. These layers are called horizons. This succession of horizons is called the profile of the soil (Fig.
The soil profileA very general and simplified soil profile can be described as follows:a. The plough layer (20 to 30 cm thick): is rich in organic matter and contains many live roots.
This layer is subject to land preparation (e.g. Ploughing, harrowing etc.) and often has a dark colour (brown to black).b. The deep plough layer: contains much less organic matter and live roots. This layer is hardly affected by normal land preparation activities. The colour is lighter, often grey, and sometimes mottled with yellowish or reddish spots.c.
The subsoil layer: hardly any organic matter or live roots are to be found. This layer is not very important for plant growth as only a few roots will reach it.d. The parent rock layer: consists of rock, from the degradation of which the soil was formed.
Yard drainage problems can wreak havoc on a garden or lawn, especially after a heavy rain. Poor garden or lawn drainage will prevent oxygen from getting to the roots of plants, which kills the roots and also creates an environment perfect for fungus such as to take hold and further damage a plant.
When you take steps to improve soil drainage, you can improve the overall health of your lawn and garden. Solutions for Yard Drainage ProblemsMost minor garden and lawn drainage issues are caused by clay soil. A minor issue will be that you have standing water after a heavy rainfall for less than a day. Clay soil is more dense than or loamy soil, and therefore, is slower to allow rainwater to filter through it. Minor yard drainage problems like this can usually be corrected by taking steps to.For more serious lawn and garden drainage problems, there are several things you can try to improve soil drainage. A more serious drainage issue means that you have standing water after light to moderate rainfall or if the standing water stays for more than a day.
These drainage issues can be caused by high water tables, low grading compared to surrounding properties, layers of hard materials (like stone) below the soil and extremely. One solution for yard drainage issues is to create an underground drain.
The most common underground drain is a French drain, which is essentially a ditch that is filled with gravel and then covered over. Drainage wells are another common underground solution for compacted soil or hard sub-layers that allows the water somewhere to run after rainfall.Another way to improve soil drainage is to build up the soil where you are having the drainage issue or to redirect the water flow. This works best for garden drainage where specific beds may be getting flooded.
Be aware, though, that when you build up a bed, the water will run somewhere else, which may create drainage issues elsewhere.or a has started to become popular as solutions for yard drainage problems. Both of these solutions not only help collect excess rainwater, but also add a lovely feature to your landscape.are another thing that can be added to help with drainage. Oftentimes, yards that have drainage problems not only have to deal with the rainwater that falls into the yard, but rainwater from nearby buildings as well. Rain barrels can be attached to downspouts and will collect rainwater that would normally run into the yard.
This collected rainwater can then be used later when rainfall is low to water your yard.