How To Amend Clay Soil

  • November 13, 2009
  • 986 Views
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Clay soil lacks the porosity to allow plants to grow well in it. By adding the right materials to it, clay soil can better sustain plant growth.

You Will Need

  • Organic matter, such as compost
  • A garden spade
  • Iron sulfate
  • A phosphate supplement containing gypsum
How To Amend Clay Soil: Add organic matter

Step 1: Add organic matter

Mix organic matter such as commercial or homemade compost into the soil using a garden spade. Anything derived from plant or animal matter will help improve the soil structure.

Do not add sand, which will not mix with clay.

How To Amend Clay Soil: Add iron sulfate

Step 2: Add iron sulfate

Mix in iron sulfate as a source of iron. While there is iron in clay, it is very hard for plants to extract it from clay.

How To Amend Clay Soil: Add phosphate

Step 3: Add phosphate

Mix in a phosphate supplement containing gypsum. Gypsum loosens the clay’s attraction to itself.

Mulches are laid on top the surface of the soil, but soil amendments are mixed into it.

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