Soil in Olathe, CO and surrounding areas

What Makes Good, Healthy Potting Soil?

A good potting soil consistency is usually classified as or described as having a loam, which is an even combination of sand, silt and clay. The most desired loam soil has good drainage and a stable aggregate of organic matter and active carbons. This facilitates growth by three key factors: aeration, nutrient retention, and moisture retention. 

3xm Compost & Grinding offers organic potting soil in Olathe, CO and surround areas like Montrose, Delta, and Grand Junction, CO. 

5 Basic Ingredients In Soil

Every soil has a various mixture of components. There are 5 basic and prevalent components that are often categorized as key contributors to healthy soil. Keeping these balanced can help your soil stay healthy and productive!

Minerals

Nearly half of the soil consists of weathered rock that has been gradually broken down by natural forces and other chemical or biological processes. The minerals often lead to the classification of soil via size: sand (large particles), silt (medium particles), and clay (small particles). These all offer various moisture and nutrient retention, which are two of the most important aspects of healthy soil. 

Organic Matter 

Making up a small amount of the soil, organic matter refers to plant life and other kinds of vegetative matter. You can increase your levels of organic matter by adding compost to the soil. Remember, organic matter is food for other forms of soil life which are essential for plant growth. 

Soil Life

Soil organisms can include bacteria, protozoa, fungi, nematodes, mites, springtails, earthworms, and other tiny creatures. Why are these organisms essential for plants? They help convert and break down organic matter and minerals into vitamins, nutrients, hormones, and more! As the soil life will help your plants, it is your job to provide them with the three sources they need: food from organic matter, oxygen from well-aerated soil, and an adequate but not excessive level of water. 

Air

The level of air in your soil should be around 25%. This is the ideal level for your soil life to prosper. Well aerating your soil via pore spacing is the best way to secure a proper level of air in your soil, however, over aerating can negatively affect the soil life and organic matter. Make sure to properly aerate the ground while avoiding stepping in growing beds, compacting the soil, or working on the soil when it’s overly wet. 



Water

Healthy soil will also hold water in the pore spaces, and your healthy soil will want to be at 25% as well. Pore spaces will help the water reach the roots of the plants and the subsoil. Be prepared for sandy soil to dry out fast as the water will move quickly through the large gaps in between the particles. Water-logging your soil will actually suffocate the organisms and plant roots in the soil. Keeping a combination of small and large pore spaces will help.