Fact Sheet – IF1
Nevada Soils
1100 W. Moana Ln., Reno, NV 89509 11301 So. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89511
Key Points:
·
Northern Nevada soils are traditionally hard and lack nutrients and
organic matter.
·
Organic matter needs to be worked into both clay soils and sandy soil
for aeration and water holding.
·
Depending on what is being planted organic matter needs will vary from
2 – 3 inches for lawn to large annual applications in flower and vegetable
plantings.
·
Nutrients, especially nitrogen, need to be applied for good plant
growth.
·
Gypsum alone can not break up a hard clay soil.
Nutrient Deficient Soils
Soils in the Truckee Meadows/Carson City area are
predominately clay and very hard, though some areas are quite sandy. Soils are also low in nutrients, especially
nitrogen and naturally contain very low amounts of organic matter. Probably the largest concern is the varying
levels of salts. Soil pH in this area is
typically 7.5 and above and its not unusual to find pH
above 8.0. Some locations along the
eastern edge of the Truckee Meadows have soil affected by sodium salts. This salt affects soil structure and
eventually restricts drainage. All of
our soils need to be conditioned and this is one of the keys to successful
gardening in the northern Nevada area.
Organic Matter
Organic matter must be worked into both clay and
sandy soils. Organic matter of any kind
may be used. The most commonly used are
peat moss and bark humus but there are other commercially available ones. Your own compost pile, leaves, grass
clippings and composted manures all can be excellent
organic sources to be incorporated into the soil. Organic matter conditions and improves any
soil. It acts as a sponge so it can
absorb and hold quantities of water. It
is beneficial in porous, sandy soils, as it will slow
water infiltration down minimize leaching of nutrients. The organic matter
keeps the clay soils loose and allows better air and water movement, making it
easier to work. Sawdust, shredded bark
and straw can be used as sources of compost but need additional nitrogen added
to aid breakdown.
Application Rates for Organic Matter
Depending on what is being planted the rates of
organic matter vary. New lawns should
only have 1 to 2 inches of compost worked into the top 6 to 8 inches of
soil. Any more and the lawn will be too
soft and spongy.
When planting trees and shrubs in heavy clay or
sandy soil, organic matter should be used.
Rate is one part (shovelfull) to 3 to 4 parts existing soil. This organic material must be mixed in very
thoroughly with existing soil.
Flower beds and vegetable gardens can take as much
organic matter as you can work in. Use
up to 6 inches of compost worked into a depth of 10 to 12 inches. Add additional compost every year to your
vegetable and flowerbeds.
Nutrient Additions
Nitrogen is usually deficient and often levels of
phosphorus, potassium and iron also need to be added. Organic sources such as manures can be used
but tend to be low in actual nutrients and can be salty. Commercial fertilizers are formulated and
calibrated for use with turf, tree, shrubs, vegetable or flowers. Fertilizer should supply the nutrients that
the particular plant being fed requires, i.e., nitrogen only for turf. Fruit trees and flowering plants require
phosphorus as well as nitrogen. All
plants require potassium. Plants such as
roses, maples or oaks require some additional iron. Products such as the Kelloggs line of
compost, potting soils, peat moss and other bagged humus products, and of
course, your own compost pile can be used to improve these hard Nevada soils. Hard soils are conditioned by physically
incorporating organic matter.
Gypsum
The only way
gypsum can help break up hard clay soil is when it’s applied to soil that has
sodium salts present and is then tilled into the soil. (Historically sodium salts are found east of
South Virginia Street against the foothills.)
See Successful Gardening at Double Diamond Fact Sheet for more
information.