Types

• Three types of geological material make up soil in varying percentages -- sand, silt and clay. Soil texture describes the relative quantities of these three components. Clay textured soil retains moisture and nutrition, but makes cement like clumps that choke vegetation roots. Sandy soil works more easily for plants and gardeners. However, sandy soil loses nutrition and moisture quickly. Loam, a combination of all three materials, provides the best soil to grow vegetation.
  
  

Soil pH

• Soil pH describes the hydrogen ion concentration in the soil on a scale from 0 to 14. Numbers below 7 indicate acidic soil and numbers above are alkaline soil. The pH determines when vegetation can access soil nutrients. Values below 5.5 or above 8 restrict the availability of key soil nutrients.
  
  

Considerations

• Adding composted organic material helps reduce high pH values and increase low values. Nutrients from compost and inorganic fertilizers provide vegetation with energy for growth and fruit production. Use mulch on top of soil to mediate temperature and help retain moisture. Over time, organic mulch decomposes in the soil to feed vegetation.