1. Classification and Testing

2.  Understanding what type of soil is present is important because it determines what type of plant will be most suited to an area.  This can accurately predict yields of crops for agriculture.  This can also allow for different crops to be planted that will make the most money for farmers.

3.  There are two major systems:  1) Vernacular system  2) Scientific system

4.  Vernacular system was developed by land users.  For example, in vernacular system soil can be categorized as red soil, black soil, yellow soil, etc.  These classifications determine what the soil can be used for.  Very general, not scientific.  Mostly based on colour and what is growing well in the soil at the time it is tested.

6.  In the scientific system, the soil can be categorized according to: ◦ the development of soil (how was it created?) ◦ the amount of substances present in the soil (what is the ratio of organic matter, water, air and minerals?)

7.  As there are various systems to classify soils, it means soil classification is not static or has 1 way of going about it.  However, most classification of soil is based on the size of the particles it contains.  This classification helps to understand the basic properties of the soil and helps to conclude if the type of soil is good enough for gardening or farming

9.  Therefore depending on the size of the particles in the soil, it can be classified into these following main types: ◦ Sandy soil ◦ Silty soil ◦ Clay soil

10.  This soil type has the biggest particles.  This creates better aeration and drainage of the soil.  This soil is granular and consists of rock and mineral particles that are very small, creating a gritty texture.  Sandy soil is formed when rocks such as limestone, granite, quartz and shale are weathered.  Sandy soil is easier to grow on if it is rich in organic material, but can also allow for too much drainage.  This can create over-drainage and dehydration of the plants in summer.

11.  To check if soil is sandy, moisten a small sample of soil and try to make a ball using your palms.  If the soil is sandy, then no dirt balls will form and the soil will crumble and fall through the fingers.

12.  Silty soil is considered to be one of the most fertile of soils.  It can occur in nature as soil, or is often found at the bottom of lakes or rivers.  It is composed of minerals like quartz and fine organic particles.  More nutrients than sandy soil and offers better drainage.  If it is fully dry it can look like dark sand.

13.  To check if the soil you have is silty, take a small amount of moist soil and rub it between your fingers.  If the soil is silty soil, it will feel slick and stick to your fingers.

14.  Clay is a kind of material that occurs naturally and consists of very fine grain material with less air spaces.  It is difficult to work with this soil, because the drainage in this soil is low.  Soil can become water logged and damage roots.  Very heavy when wet and lots of fertilizers need to be added.  Clay soil is formed after years of rock weathering.  Rich in mineral content.

15.  To identify if the soil is clay soil, take a soil sample and damp it with water.  Rub it between your palms.  You will find clay soil is sticky and retains a good amount of water.

16.  Sandy, silty and clay soil are the 3 main types.  There are subtypes, which are not as easy to test for.  These subtypes are: ◦ Loamy soil ◦ Peaty soil ◦ Chalky soil

17.  This soil consists of sand, silt and clay to some extent.  It is considered to be the perfect soil for gardening.  The texture is gritty and retains water very easily, yet the drainage is good.  There are various kinds of loamy soil ranging from fertile to very muddy and thick sod.  Ideal for cultivation.  Good for vegetable patches or gardens

19.  This kind of soil is basically formed by the accumulation of dead and decayed organic matter, it naturally contains much more organic matter than most of the soils.  It is generally found in marshy areas.  Decomposition is very slow because peat is naturally acidic. This can preserve materials.  This kind of soil is formed in wet climate.  Though the soil is rich in organic matter, nutrients present are fewer in this soil type than any other type because of the slow decomposition.  Usually added to basic soil to increase water retention.

21.  Basic (alkaline) in nature, opposite to peaty soil.  Can have a large number of stones.  A lot of watering and fertilizer needed to grow plants well.  Also blocks the nutritional elements for the plants like iron and magnesium.

22.  In this classification, soil is either acidic or alkaline soil depending on the amount of humus (completely broken down organic matter), organic matter and the underlying bedrock/parent material.

23.  All materials have a pH level.  This determines how acidic or basic (alkaline) a material is.  If something is acidic, it will have more hydrogen (H) in it.  If something is basic, it will have more hydroxide (OH) in it.

25.  Most plants prefer a pH level of 5.8-6.2.  In Manitoba, our water is closer to 7.  Therefore, sometimes acids have to be added to soil to decrease the pH to a more acidic level.  This can be done through fertilizers and solutions.  This also depends on the specific plant and the pH of the soil itself.