Types of Soil

2 May 2019 Landscape Supplies

Learning about the different types of soil can help you make an informed decision about which type of soil will work best for your particular needs. At Just Mulch, they understand how important it is to select the right soil for your unique garden. That is why they offer a selection of mulch and soil products.

Sandy Soil

Sandy soil is known for being light, warm, and dry, as well as for being composed of the largest particles amongst the different types of soil. Since sandy soil is unable to retain water, this type of soil tends to dry out in the summer months and suffers from low nutrients that are easily washed away by the rain. Even though sandy soil is acidic and has quick water drainage, it can be extremely easy to work with. Adding organic matter, such as mulch, to sandy soil can help give plants a boost of nutrients by improving the soil’s nutrients and water holding capacity.

Clay Soil

Since clay soil is made up of more than 25% clay and has the smallest particles of different soil types, it offers a heavier density and tends to be high in nutrients. Unlike sandy soil, clay soil drains water slowly and can take longer to warm up in the summer months; however, when it does dry out, it tends to crack, making it difficult to work with.

Silt Soil

Silt soil is known for being light and moisture retentive with a high fertility rating. Since this type of soil is made up of medium-sized particles, silt soil is able to drain well and hold onto moisture well; however, the particles in this soil tend to be fine, which means that they can be easily washed away with the rain. Adding mulch or other organic matter to silt soil can help the particles be bound into more stable clumps that will not wash away as easily.

Peat Soil

Peat soil is high in organic matter and can retain a large amount of moisture. Unlike other types of soil, peat soil is rarely found in a garden, but can be brought in to provide an optimum soil base for planting.

Loam Soil

Made up of a mixture of sand, silt, and clay, loam soil is extremely fertile, easy to work with, and provides good drainage. Depending on the exact composition of the loam soil, it can be either sandy loam or clay loam. Loam soil offers a perfect balance of soil particles, making it the preferred soil choice by gardeners.

If you would like to learn more about the different types of soil, or if you are interested in soil products, please contact Just Mulch at 236-98-MULCH or by filling out a contact form on their website.