Sandy loam and loam: the difference and what exactly is the difference, which soil to choose

Sandy loam and loam - types of soils that are often found as a parent rock. They affect the soil, directly determine its mechanical composition. Consider the differences between sandy loam and loam, their features, composition and properties. What kind of soil is preferable to choose for growing plants and why, where to buy good quality soil.

Features of loam

Can contain one-third to one-half of clay particles smaller than 0.01mm, the rest is sand. When combined with water, the plasticity of the soil increases; loamy soil can be determined by a tourniquet that does not break into pieces when pressed, but cracks form on it.

The porosity of the loam is quite high, it absorbs water well and retains it. Density increases with increasing content of clay particles. Loam warms up, passes water and gets wet more slowly than sandy soils, but faster than clay.

Specific sandy loam

Sandy loam determines the mechanical composition of the soil. This is the name of the soil, which consists mainly of sand and silt particles, the content of which is 80-90%. Clay particles in sandy loam from 10 to 20%. Sandy loams, in which there are a lot of clay particles, are called heavy, those in which there are few - light. The level of plasticity of the soil is from 1 to 7, the sandy loam rope easily crumbles when trying to change its shape. The porosity of sandy loam is low, it contains less moisture than soil with a large amount of clay particles.

Sandy loamy soils quickly absorb moisture and pass it more easily to the lower layers, so they get wet easily, but dry out just as quickly. They warm up quickly in spring and cool down in autumn. They do not differ in structure, this is another difference between sandy loam and loam.

What's the difference?

Sandy loam and loam differ in physical parameters, density, plasticity, composition of their particles, the difference is manifested in appearance. Soil with a high content of clay or sand finds various uses in construction, agriculture and other areas of activity.

If we consider agriculture, then sandy loam and loam have advantages and disadvantages. It is good to grow early vegetables on sandy loam soil, it is easy to process. But it requires regular watering and fertilization, since the nutrients do not stay in the upper horizons, they are washed out with water to the lower ones.

Loam retains moisture, nutrients and organic matter better, which makes it easier to care for plants, but stays cold longer in spring, and after moistening it compacts and cracks. When growing plants on loam, be sure to loosen it after rain and lay mulch to prevent drying out.Loamy soil is often acidic, so it needs to be deacidified.

Which soil to choose

When comparing between loamy and sandy loamy soil, loamy soil is preferable for growing plants, but only if it is not too heavy. Most of the most fertile soils are based on loam. But it requires constant care, digging and loosening. Without agrotechnical measures, plant yields will be reduced.

You can improve loam by adding sand to it, sandy loam - clay. It improves not only the composition, but also the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of the soil. To improve the properties of both soils, it is recommended to add peat, sawdust, compost or humus.Dig every season 1 or 2 times a year, especially clay, to improve its breathability. Use mulch to retain moisture in the surface layer, plant green manure in areas that are not used for growing plants in the current season.

Where to buy

For land and construction works, you can buy sandy loam and loam in construction companies. They are used in landscape design, for landscaping, leveling and tamping building sites, road surfaces, for backfilling uneven terrain and pits. Soil is inexpensive, sold and transported in bulk in large volumes.

Both sandy loam and loam form the basis of fertile and not very soil. They determine the granulometric composition, affect the physical properties. The particles of a certain size prevailing in them determine the features, advantages and disadvantages.Both those and others for successful application in agriculture require agro-measures to improve properties.

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