Valuable advice from an expert in soil science

Intended for both small- and medium-sized gardens, Improving Your Soil reveals the steps to take to achieve the perfect soil in which to grow plants With clear and specific directions on how to amend poor soil, modify mediocre earth, aerate compacted topsoil and substrates as well as test pH levels, this book enables any gardener to nurture their plants and promote more abundant growth

The features that indicate good soil include proper structure and nutrients that encourage healthy plant growth Soil in \"good tilth\" is loamy, nutrient-rich and friable because it has an optimal mixture of sand, clay and organic matter that prevents severe compaction Improving Your Soil shows gardeners how to improve the soil in their gardens to encourage good seed bedding and a strong root system for proper nutrient disbursement throughout various soil depths Topics in the book include:

Providing the right amount of water for plants The microscopic world of soils Crop rotations Types of compost and how to make good compost Managing soils to minimize pest and disease problems Overcoming common nutrient deficiencies Organic vs mineral fertilizers

The detailed information is complemented with line drawings, diagrams and illustrations that demonstrate various soil issues and how to resolve common problems With information on remedying specific problems with particular plants, Improving Your Soil will be an often-consulted resource for all gardeners

Valuable advice from an expert in soil science

Contents

Acknowledgments
Preface
Introduction: Seasons of the Soil
1 Getting Started: What Type of Soil Do You Have?
2 What Is Soil, and Why Is It Important?
3 Different Soils, Different Challenges
4 Soil Texture: The Bones of Your Soil
5 Soil Structure: The Skeleton of Your Soil
6 Soil Water
7 Irrigation Basics for Gardens
8 A Little Bit of Soil Chemistry
9 How Soil Holds Nutrients
10 Soil Life and Soil Organic Matter
11 Harnessing Biological Cycles for Our Benefit
12 Feeding Your Plants
13 Sustaining the Land
Glossary of Soil Terms
Appendix I: Selected Laboratories for Testing Garden Soils
Appendix II: Agricultural and Horticultural Extension Resources
Appendix III: Chemical Symbols and Formulas
Index

If you have ever wondered how your soil makes on impact on your home garden, this title is the perfect primer After a discussion of what happens underground as each season passes, the author breaks down how soil is structured and what you can do to manage it successfully Identifying soil type, creating a proper irrigation system and conquering common soil problems just scratch the surface of what is contained in this comprehensive guide Reid, who has more than 30 years of experience in soil management, has written a highly readable and practical book for avid gardeners

Improving Your Soil features a reader-friendly discussion, organization and format -- feats indeed, considering the wealth of scientific information included in this book I don't think the topic of soil can be covered better than Keith Reid has managed here

Before you order that load of topsoil or begin stockpiling compost, I recommend reading (this) excellent book by Keith Reid, a soil scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada with over 30 years' experience In it, the author explains all aspects of soil and how it works He begins by relating what's going on beneath our feet as each seasonal cycle passes, how heat, cold and moisture affect the microscopic life in the soil He shows how to identify the kind of soil in your garden, explains how it feeds plants, and describes the structure and texture of soil There's much, much more, including a bit on soil chemistry, too, but don't let scientific references deter you The author's stated goal is to demystify soil and offer practical methods that will allow you to grow a better garden It's a fascinating read and I'd consider it essential reading for the serious gardener It should convince anyone that the answer really does lie in the soil

(starred review) Reid, a soil scientist for more than 30 years, leads the reader through a detailed discussion of the subject at hand In 13 chapters, the author covers soil analysis, the basics of soil chemistry, soil structure and the implications of both, water and irrigation issues, exploiting biological cycles in service of gardening and the all-important issue of how improve and manage long term fertility in gardens and fields Also provided is a guide to the warning signs of common soil deficiencies and how to troubleshoot common problems The author conveys a complex topic in a straightforward and well organized manner, using a clear writing style to good effect Although this is not a long book, it is a surprisingly complete book, one that avoids both obfuscation and oversimplification Intended for avid gardeners, it can also stand as an example of how to write popular science books

Improving Your Soil delves deeply into the intriguing mysteries of the foundation, and soul, of the garden For such a detailed and technical book, (it) is remarkably inspiring as it explains how soil works to maintain healthy plant life (Includes) an extensive roster of tips on assessing soil, along with realistic steps for improvement

This book is so comprehensive, it would make an excellent textbook for an entry level college course on soils Improving Your Soil will not only give you a better understanding of soil in general and how it works, but also will help you make more informed choices to improve and manage its performance in your own garden

Soil scientist Keith Reid reveals the steps to take to achieve the perfect soil base in which to grow plants Improving Your Soil shows gardeners how to improve the soil in their garden to encourage good seed bedding and a strong root system for proper nutrient disbursement throughout various soil depths The detailed information is complemented with line drawings, diagrams and illustrations that demonstrate various soil issues and how to resolve common problems

Improving Your Soil features a reader-friendly discussion, organization and format -- feats indeed, considering the wealth of scientific information included in this book I don't think the topic of soil can be covered better than Keith Reid has managed here

This book is great source of information that is easily understood and applied in the home garden Whether we realize it or not, identifying your specific type of soil, the importance of the content of the soil, and how it functions are all crucial to any home gardener or landscaper Not understanding the soil that you are working with could become a growing challenge Soil health translates into healthier plants and a happier homeowner This was a terrific book and I would highly recommend it to the homeowner who wants to build a strong, healthy foundation of soil to grow in