How to improve clay soil

Question

we spread a load of dirt, which turned out to be heavy on the clay side. planted intermittent squares of st. augustine in it, and it is growing, however when it rains, we have a slimy, gooey area. what can we incorporate to this inplace soil to improve it, cut down the clay? will peat moss help? sand? cut it in? lay it on top?

thanks!

Answer 1

There is a number of things you can do. Some are better than others, but it really depends upon your back (how much labor you want to put into it) and you wallet. Either do your entire lawn (recommended) or make changes in small areas as needed.

First and foremost you need to add organic matter. This comes mostly in the form of compost or peat.

Secondly you need to add beneficial microbes to the soil. These microbes will feed on the organic matter and produce humus, which is humic and fulvic acids. This is the stuff you smell when you run your fingers through rich soil. It also also the stuff that makes soil stick together and not fall apart (this is your classic LOAM).

Adding sand sounds like it might work, but it does not. It just falls through the clay and disappears. Adding peat moss can be a good idea as it can regulate your pH to about 6.5 to 7. It also traps calcium and magnesium required for your plants and grass.

If aged compost is not an option, I would topdress your lawn with grass clippings and peat moss. I would then add microbes. If you have the ability to produce compost tea (make your own), do that, otherwise you will need to buy them. If that is the case I would suggest using a concentrate (cost effective) such as Terra Foods or Organica. I prefer TF as it comes with a nutrient solution that boosts the growth of the microbes right away and a little bit goes a long way.

If you do have available compost, topdress your entire lawn in the fall and add the microbes once you are done. This will settle in over the winter. In the early spring feed the the lawn microbes one more time and you should be good. If you still do not see enough results, repeat again the following fall. It may take time depending upon your soils makeup, but eventually it WILL work.

Remember there is NO quick fix for what you want to do. You are trying to change your soil type. Work with nature and it will reward you back.

Answer 2

There is no miracle cure it is however a sweat equity program!

Compost is the best ingredient, adding spaghnum peat moss and organic manure compost and some sand along with the gypsum will eventually turn your soil into loam.

Till it in all together if you have a tiller, or do the sweat thing and turn it with spades.

Adding gypsum over time will greatly break down the hard clay

Do you have clay or layer of hard subsoil problems in your garden?

Then gypsum may be the answer to help loosen the soil structure. It is not considered a miracle substance and you will find that it doesn't work right away

http://www.basic-info-4-organic-fertiliz...

Edited; start your own compost pile for future use