Soils
This page is intended to provide information about soils. As the basics are covered extensively in other gardening publications, the aim here will be to concentrate on information from Qld, covering issues relevant to Qld, or other potentially useful information that may be hard to find otherwise.
Note that commercial products, regulations, plants and soil types vary from place to place, so some information in links may not apply where you live.
Links
More about mulches and mulching practice here: Mulches
More about soils and growing media for containers here: Potting Mixes
Queensland Soil Types
Understand your soil type. (a general overview for the beginner) Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management (PDF)
Look for regional gardening and environmental groups (who might be able to supply information on local soils) on the Regional pages.
General Information
What is Soil? Basic overview. Department of Primary Industries Victoria
Soil biology basics factsheets on a variety of topics available from this page. NSW department of Primary Industries
Water penetration and retention
Does gypsum improve clay soils?
There's a widespread misconception, even amongst horticulture professionals, that gypsum can improve the structure of every clay soil. Check out the following links:
What About Gypsum? Colorado State University
pH
Soil pH Colorado State University Extension
Lawn and Tree Myths (do pines make soil acidic?) Washington State University Clark County Extension
Soil testing
Other
The Myth of Soil Amendments Part II Will adding sand improve the texture of a clay soil? Washington State University (PDF)
Manufacturers and distributors of soil conditioners and amendments available in Qld are invited to advertise on this page. For example: composts including treated wastes, wetting agents, pH adjustment, water storage additives (granules, gels), additives for drainage and porosity, flocculation agents. More information about advertising.
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