Landscape Designing

LANDSCAPE DESIGNING FRMT 325 Cr. Hr. 3(1+2)

Lesson 13:Landscape Resources: Soil

Clay soil

• Clay soil chiefly consists of extremely fine particles.
• When these become wet, their composition causes them to swell and to stick together, so that they block air from the plants, roots and make it hard for them to take in food in solution.
• Clay soil is heavy, difficult to work and cold as a result of being frequently waterlogged and badly aired.
• When it does dry out, it tends to crack and there is a danger of plant roots being damaged.
• Clay soils are naturally rich in plant nutrients, but these are not always available because air and water are blocked from the roots.
• The addition of humus forming material is essential to plant life and if this is done on a regular basis it can transform heavy clay into a fertile and workable soil.
• The addition of strawy stable manure, compost or peat gives clay soil a better texture, making it warmer, more aerated and less waterlogged