Mechanical composition of the soil: what determines the classification, types and how they differ

The chemical composition of the soil, its structure are important indicators that must be taken into account when farming. Features of the mechanical composition of the soil also affect fertility and productivity. This characteristic of the soil can be influenced in various ways, while it is possible not only to change the structure of the earth, but also to increase its nutritional value and fertility.

What is this?

Under the definition of mechanical composition is meant the percentage of mechanical elements in the soil. It is this parameter that determines the characteristics of the soil. Yields are affected by the water-physical and thermal qualities of the land.

When choosing crops for planting in the beds, you need to pay attention to the difference in soils of different types. It is important to take into account the advantages and disadvantages of the land on the site and the possibility of changing the structure and other characteristics of the soil.

Classification of soils by mechanical composition

The classification takes into account the ratio of physical clay and physical sand. The table shows the main types of soils:

Sand5-10Sandy loamy10-20Clayy 40-50Loam20-30

When assessing soils, the dimensions of mechanical elements are also taken into account. On this basis, the soil is divided into stony, cartilaginous, sandy, fine-grained. Fertile soil contains various nutrients (magnesium, potassium, copper, phosphorus, nitrogen, zinc, sulfur), but humus is considered the basis.The best soil is considered to be soil containing at least 10% humus.

Sandy

The loose structure of the soil is due to the high content of sand (approximately 90%). Sand grains vary in size into small, medium and large. Benefits of sandy land:

good water and breathability;
light loose land is easy to cultivate;
sand warms up quickly.

Of the shortcomings, it should be noted that the sand cools down and dries quickly. The main disadvantage is the lack of nutrients.

Sandy loamy

This soil, containing some clay inclusions, has the following advantages:

keeps warm longer when evening temperatures drop;
organic fertilizers quickly decompose in the ground, which contributes to the full development of plants;
sandstone is more slowly saturated with water and does not immediately dry out. But at the same time, stagnation of water does not form, and the beds are not covered with bark;
the soil does not form lumps and crumbles well;
since the complexity of soil cultivation depends on the structure, there is no problem when cultivating sandstone;
The earth does not stick to the roots of plants, so it is ideal for growing root crops.

Disadvantages include loose structure, poor retention of minerals in the upper layer (water washes fertilizer into the lower layers).

Clay

Soil contains about 80% clay and 20% sand. The high mineral content can be seen as the only plus. Growing plants is very difficult due to the many disadvantages:

difficulty in processing due to increased soil hardness in dry weather and high viscosity in case of rains, after irrigation;
the earth warms up slowly, does not pass air well;
water accumulates on the surface after rains, when snow melts.

In wet weather, moisture seeps slowly, and in periods of drought, the surface of the earth is covered with hard, cracking bark.

Loamy

The soil is ideal for growing horticultural crops. Soil Benefits:

excellent air and moisture conduction;
high in nutrient-rich minerals;
easy to handle.

To ensure a stable yield, it is necessary to maintain the fertility of the loam.

What types prevail in different regions of Russia

It is conditionally possible to distinguish several types of soils characteristic of different regions of the Russian Federation. Sandy and sandy loamy soil is found in the Rostov, Volgograd, Astrakhan regions, in Kalmykia and Dagestan. Most of the area of the Far East is occupied by loose tundra-gley soils. Loamy lands are common in the regions of the central part of Russia.

Method for determining the mechanical composition of the soil

A common way to assess the composition of the soil is to form a small round lump out of the earth. If a low-tossed ball falls apart when caught, then the ground contains most of the sand. If the ball retains its shape, the soil contains a lot of clay.

You can also determine the mechanical composition of the earth by a small lump. When rubbed, alumina soil seems to stick to the fingers and does not crumble. Sandstone, even when wet, will crumble when rubbed with fingers.

Value for plants

On sandy lands, you can grow pines, junipers, some decorative flowers (marigolds, carnations) without hassle. If you want to plant vegetables, strawberries, you need to improve the chemical composition and structure. Main activities: claying, application of mineral and organic fertilizers.

On sandy loamy soil, subject to an increase in nutritional value, vegetable and berry crops, fruit trees bear fruit well. Coniferous shrubs and ornamental flowers (asters, calendula, marigolds, herbal carnations) will actively develop. Since the yield depends on the fertility of the land, manure, peat are regularly applied to increase it, green manure is sown, the beds are mulched.

To make clay soil suitable for agriculture, the following activities are carried out: sand, peat, tree bark, straw are added to make looseness; fertility is increased by organic matter (they use rotted manure, peat).

To maintain the fertility of loams, it is recommended to apply organic fertilizers (manure, peat) during the autumn processing of the site. The beds are covered with mulch, the plants are fed with mineral additives.

With active farming, fertile soil quickly loses its dignity. Maintain the nutritional value of the soil will help regular application of mineral supplements, compliance with the rules of crop rotation. The same measures will increase the fertility of poor, poorly structured lands.