Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 2.3
ABOVE:
The soil triangle shows soil classifications based on the percent-
ages of sand, silt, and clay in a soil sample.
Soil types and crops.
Loam and sandy loam soils are excellent for tree fruits.
Given ample irrigation water, even loamy sands support orchards. With prop-
er steps to ensure water drainage, silt loam soils can be effective orchard
sites. Heavier-textured soils make tree fruit culture difficult. You can modi-
fy soils by adding organic matter to improve water-holding capacity, soil
tilth, nutrition, and biological activity. Be aware, however, that simply mixing
large quantities of organic matter into heavy soils can make a bad situation
