Page 1: Introduction to Building Healthy Soil
Page 2: Adding Organic Matter
Page 3: Improving the Soil

Cover Crops
Roots improve the tilth (soil structure) more than tops of plants when they are incorporated. Different crops vary in the depth of their roots. Fine grasses and clover roots work on the upper 6 to 12 inches; alfalfa and sweet clover have taproots which extend deeper. When they die and rot, the roots leave channels for water and air movement in the soil.

Correct Severe Situations
Many extreme soil conditions can be corrected through the addition of organic matter or the use of some creative solutions.
If your soil is very rocky, consider using large rock formations as landscape features and plant a rock garden. You can also improve the soil in the least rocky pockets and then plant. Rocks can be raked out by hand or you can use a tractor for large areas. Be sure to incorporate lots of organic matter.

For soil that is primarily clay or sand, or that has a hard surface crust (water runs off), or is compacted, incorporate 2 to 3 inches of organic matter in the top few inches of soil and mulch liberally for several years. Also, plant cover crops each year until the soil is improved.

Raised beds or terraces are good solutions for improving extremely poor or shallow (bedrock close to surface or topsoil removed during construction) soil or soil with poor drainage. The site can also be graded, then covered with an 8 to 12 inch layer of topsoil - but guard against erosion. Poor drainage can also be helped by installing drainage tile.
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