When these horizontal aggregations are stacked high and consolidated over time, they can be quite tight and sticky. as the glaciers melted in Ontario about 14,000 to 10,000 years ago they dropped the silt (clay) in huge moraines and drifts. This results in improved drainage and aeration as well as sofer and lighter soil. Clay is rich in nutrients plants need to grow, holding calcium, potassium, and magnesium. However, the simplest and most effective way to loosen compacted soil is to use Ground Breaker. The very best way to improve soil compaction is to make sure it doesn’t happen in the first place. Add on top two inches of sharp clean gravel. The addition of soil amendments improves the texture of clay soil. This also adds minerals to the soil. The addition of soil amendments improves the texture… However, clay soil compacts tightly and in dry conditions can be difficult to break apart. Clay is normally rich in plant nutrients, but its tendency to compact and poor drainage cause many plants problems. Because clay soil can become compacted easily, place about 3 to 4 inches (7.5-10 cm.) Most of the work is done up front, although some annual chores are necessary to prolong the soil improvement. Clay soil composition will improve more if a gardener digs the amendment into the soil instead of top-dressing soil with it. This depends on how badly compacted your lawn is. More From Doityourself . Yes, it does turn into bricks when dry, and when wet it's probably best used for a facial, but it does have an upside. Some plants grow in clay soil just fine, but those plants are resistant to the root rot caused by clay's lack of drainage. Breaking It Down Organic matter consists of the decaying remains of plants and animals. In the first season or two after adding organic material to the soil, you will want to take care when watering. The best way to loosen and improve clay soil is by adding lots of organic matter. When laying your materials, aim for an equal mix of coarse sand and coarse organic material for optimum drainage and nutrients. To successfully grow plants in clay soils it’s important to both build up the soil with good organic matter and break up the clay with special additives. For a lawn where only the top layer of soil has gotten compacted, the simplest option may be to aerate your lawn. Clay’s small particles make it hard to dig through, but they also allow it to hold water much better than sand or silt. Products to loosen clay soils Gypsum, soil penetrants, and sand are often recommended each for a different reason. Organic matter consists of the decaying remains of plants and animals. Clay soil can be a good thing many plants grow well in it. You also need to make sure that you aerate and loosen up your clay soil before planting. This helps open up the soil. When soils are this "tight", necessary air, water and nutrients can not move through them. Start the process by using a tiller to loosen the existing soil (if it is a large area) or a spade (if it is a more manageable size). Limit foot traffic. This is especially true for any long tapered root crops or deep rooted crops (they might not do well the first season unless you add some top soil or peat moss for drainage). If clay soils are left as they are, they can be a problem to grow plants in, but on a good note, clay soils are very rich in nutrients, they just require good preparation before planting. Some soils are simply prone to becoming compacted. From California to Maine gardeners have to contend with clay soil. We’re glad you asked. In some ways clay soil has gotten a bad rap. Gypsum is a powdered soil amendment that landscaping experts frequently recommend for loosening hardpan clay soils. 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