Soil conditioners, also referred to as soil amendments, help improve soil structure by increasing aeration, water holding capacity, and nutrients. They help break up compacted clay soils, which lack sufficient space for air and water, both of which are important for microorganisms to thrive and for plant roots to grow.
Adding a soil conditioner to your garden helps improve moisture retention. This makes water easily accessible for the roots of all of your plants. Corse soil does not retain water well. The conditioner aids in binding together soil particles into porous granules. This allows air and water to move through the soil. Since, the organic matter in soil conditioner retains moisture, it is able to absorb and store nutrients more easily. It increases nutrient retention by collecting the nutrients escaping away from the roots, especially in soils that are sandy. The organic matter is food for microorganisms and other forms of life found in soil.
Healthy soil grows healthy plants. In order for a soil to become healthy, they require organic matter. A healthy environment for plants involve organic matter like compost, microbes, and moisture. The result is strong plants, healthier flowers and higher quality fruits and vegetables. Healthy plants are able to ward off unwanted irritants like diseases and pests. Many soil conditioners also add vital nutrients such as carbon and nitrogen, beneficial bacteria, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. All of these components enhance the soil, allowing plants to grow bigger and stronger.
Microbes found in soil conditioner convert organic matter into a usable food source plants. The fruits and vegetables in your garden, will not only taste better but they will be more nutritious. Soil microbes help plants absorb nutrients from organic matter and fertilizers. Other benefits of adding soil conditioner to your garden are that it aids in drainage by restoring structure of soil, opens up heavy clay soils and helps reduce compaction of dense soils.
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