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News Feature for Newsletters, Newspapers and Magazines |
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United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
P.O. Box 2890
Washington, DC 20013
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Selecting Trees and Shrubs for Shelter
All plants require certain nutrients for good growth. Carbon and oxygen are
taken in through the leaves during photosynthesis, while the rest of the
required nutrients normally are taken up through the roots.
Most nutrients and water are taken up through the very fine roots called root
hairs. These are very small, but are extremely numerous and effective in
nutrient uptake. The more soil the roots are able to penetrate, the more
potential they have to contact needed nutrients and water. Therefore, providing
a noncompacted, well-drained soil is important for optimum growth of most plant
species.
These tips will help your plants develop healthy root systems for maximum
nutrient uptake:
- Do not work in your garden when the soil is wet. Working the soil when it
is too wet causes compaction which makes soil particles clump together,
reducing the pore space between particles. This makes it more difficult for
roots to penetrate the soil and leads to reduced water infiltration and
increased runoff. While it may be tempting on those warm early spring days
to dig up the garden, you should wait. The right time to work in your garden
is when the soil crumbles slightly when you squeeze it in your hand.
- Add organic matter to your soil. Organic matter is extremely important in
improving soil structure and increasing pore space. Organic matter improves
the ability of the soil to hold moisture during dry spells. Worms thrive on
soil organic matter and are excellent at improving the structure of the soil
through their tunneling activities. Also, their castings or excrement is an
excellent source of plant nutrients. Compost and peat moss are both
excellent sources of organic matter.
- Mulch your soil. Organic mulches such as bark chips or grass clippings
help protect your soil from the impact of raindrops. They prevent crusting
of the soil surface. Crusting of the soil can prevent seeds from sprouting
and reduces infiltration of water into the soil. As mulch decomposes, it
also adds more organic matter to the soil. Remember that some mulches will
lower the pH (the acidity of the soil), making some nutrients less
available.
- Use raised beds for a garden if your yard has heavy, poorly drained soils.
Raised beds can be made using tillage equipment. You can make permanent beds
with rot-resistant wood, filled with a mixture of soil and organic matter.
But, you may decide that growing plants tolerant of wet conditions is a less
troublesome, more rewarding experience!
If you treat your soil well, your plants should develop extensive healthy
roots capable of taking up the required plant nutrients.
For more information on nutrient management, mulching, and other Backyard
Conservation practices, contact your local conservation district or the Natural
Resources Conservation Service. Or call 1-888-LANDCARE (toll free) for a free
colorful Backyard Conservation booklet and tip sheets.
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- Backyard Conservation is a cooperative project of
- Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Wildlife Habitat Council
- National Association of Conservation Districts
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