How Do You Get Rid of Sandy Soil?

You don't typically remove sandy soil entirely; instead, you improve it by amending its structure to mitigate its poor drainage and nutrient retention issues. The goal is to make it behave less like sandy soil and more like loam or richer soil.

Sandy soil is characterized by large particles that create significant pore space, leading to rapid drainage and poor retention of water and essential nutrients. Getting "rid of" these problematic characteristics involves changing the soil's composition.

Amending Sandy Soil for Better Performance

The primary way to improve sandy soil is by incorporating materials that help hold moisture and nutrients while also improving structure.

Adding Organic Matter

One of the most common and effective methods is to regularly add organic matter.

• Compost: Well-rotted compost is excellent for sandy soil. It acts like a sponge, holding water and nutrients. As it decomposes further, it releases nutrients gradually.
• Manure: Aged manure also adds organic matter and nutrients. Be sure it is well-composted to avoid burning plants or introducing pathogens.
• Cover Crops: Planting cover crops (like legumes or grains) and turning them into the soil before they go to seed adds significant organic matter.

Benefits of Organic Matter:

• Increases water retention.
• Improves nutrient-holding capacity.
• Adds beneficial microorganisms.
• Slightly improves structure over time.

Note: Organic matter is not a permanent solution on its own. As the organic materials decompose and are used up, your sandy soil will revert to holding less moisture and nutrients unless more is added.

Adding Permanent Amendments (Clay)

For a more lasting change to the soil structure, adding clay can be beneficial.

• Kaolin Clay: A permanent soil amendment that adds clay to the soil in the form of kaolin clay will permanently change the structure of the soil. By incorporating clay particles, which are much smaller than sand particles, you reduce the large pore spaces, improving water and nutrient retention more permanently than organic matter alone.
• Commercial Clay Products: Soil amendment products specifically designed to add clay are available.

Benefits of Adding Clay:

• Provides a permanent structural change.
• Significantly improves water and nutrient retention.
• Reduces leaching.

Important Considerations:

• Adding too much clay can lead to compaction and poor drainage (creating the opposite problem!). It's crucial to add clay gradually and mix it thoroughly, often alongside organic matter.
• Incorporating amendments needs to be done properly, usually by tilling or digging them into the top 6-12 inches of soil.

Summary Table: Amending Sandy Soil

In conclusion, "getting rid of" sandy soil's undesirable traits is achieved through continuous amendment with organic matter and strategic incorporation of permanent materials like clay.