Clay soil is both the best and the worst soil you can have. It is packed with numerous nutrients, but retains lots of water and drains slowly. This makes it difficult to dig and for roots to penetrate. Clay makes gardening and lawn maintenance difficult and almost impossible.
But if you are looking for good potting soil for growing herbs and other plants indoors, clay will work just fine.
However, if you are stuck with heavy clay soil in your backyard and want to turn it into a workable material, don’t fret. There are ways you can break it down and significantly improve its structure for planting veggies or just growing a lush lawn.
Although there are several solutions, we will provide you with the quickest to help you get the job done fast. Here are ways to break down your clay soil fast.
1. Commercial Products
Using a liquid clay breaker This is the fastest way to break your clay soil. It is made primarily for clay and you can easily find it in stores. Liquid clay breaker can be used in both garden and lawns, they are rich in calcium and other minerals, and can even serve as fertilizers
Liquid clay breaker helps to reduce soil compartment without having to dig or aerate manually. It also helps to improve the soil drainage level.
2. Gypsum for Clay Soil
If you have heavy clay soil in your yard or garden, gypsum is your best bet. It breaks down clay by making it crumbly. Gypsum also reduces salt level and enhances the soil with calcium.
However, the effect of the gypsum only lasts for some months. Meaning you have to repeat the process again or your soil will face clogging issues all over. Another downside to this method is it takes several months to break down the soil and make it workable.
Regardless, this is still an effective and often preferred method to improve clay soil and its draining qualities.
How to Apply Gypsum on Clay Soil
- Calculate the amount you need. Experts advise an average of 1kg per square meter.
- Dig at least 10 cm deep into the soil and spread the gypsum.
- Add a little bit of water.
- Combine well and leave it.
- Check back after 2 to 3 weeks to see if there is any improvement. If not, repeat the process.
- Instead of water, you can add a liquid clay breaker (more about it below) or compost for a stronger effect.
3. Organic Matter
If your aim is to both break heavy clay soil and improve the nutritional content of your soil, organic matter is what you need. Organic matter is a natural breakdown and plant growth boosters. Compost, Mulch, and biochar are all in the same group.They act as fertilizer and also improve soil structure.
To apply it, spread your preferred choice on the top of the freshly turned ground or on top of your lawn and allow them to decompose.
Organic matters and mulch also help to prevent cracking on summer days.
1. Create a Garden Border- The area where you will have your garden bed with flour.
2. Break Up Top Layer- Using a how, break the soil top with a hoe 5 to 6 inches down into the ground. If your soil is too compact, use a motorized tiller as a last resort to avoid killing worms and other important organisms in the soil.
3. Remove Second Layer of Soil- Spread the soil into an even layer and dig down another 5 to 6 inches in the soil with a hoe.
4. Dry Clay Soil- Place the second layer of soil out in a layer beside the dug hole, which is about 10 to 12 inches deep. Leave the soil to dry for three to four days. Cover the drying soil with a tarp if heavy fog, dew or rain are expected.
5. Remove Rocks and Debris- Draw a rake or spading fork over the two piles of soil to remove any large rocks and to break up dirt clods. For large clods, you may need to moisten the soil and rake the softened clods again after they dry.
6. Add Organic Material- Spread 5 to 6 inches of well-rotted compost over the two piles. Pine bark that is finely ground or dried manure will also work well as a soil amendment. Experts advise to avoid using peat moss or sand.
7. Combine Compost and Clay Soil- Mix the compost with the soil using a spading fork to thoroughly combine so the soil mixes easily and looks rich and crumbles with ease.
8. Create a Garden Bed- Replace the compost-soil mixture back into the hole you initially removed the soil from to create a bed that is even with or just above ground level. Use any remaining soil to make raised beds around your garden, if desired.
Topsoil is not recommended when restoring clay soil. However, if you opt to add topsoil to your garden bed, be sure to thoroughly mix the topsoil with the existing clay soil.
9. Mulch Your Garden- Cover the soil with 3 to 4 inches of mulch after planting. In addition to maintaining soil moisture, reducing weeds and keeping plant roots cool, the mulch slowly breaks down throughout the year, adding more organic material to the soil. This slow process helps to naturally break up the soil without you having to do any digging.
10. Restore Clay Soil Each Year- Repeat amending your clay soil with compost using this same method each time you replant the bed.
Required Tools
- Flour
- Hoe
- Rake
- Compost
- Spading fork
Other Clay Soil Improvement Techniques
Since compaction is a huge problem with clay soil, here are some ways to help your gardening process.
1. Soil aeration
This is the best way to allow air back into your clay soil. You can do it manually using a garden fork or use a professional aerating machine.
Here are the steps:
Check the soil condition. If the ground is still very soaked, wait for it to become dry or get damp at least to avoid more challenges.
Spike your lawn to 10 cm or more using a garden fork. If you use a professional aerator, spikes can go as far as 15cm. Then add compost or other organic material of your choice. It will help to improve soil overall drainage and prevent root rot.
2. Topdressing
Topdressing is another way to improve your clay soil. It is usually carried out in the lawn and raised garden beds. Just spread a thin layer of soil mixture on the current soil.
When applied on the lawn, the new topsoil should be spread so thin that part of the grass blades is visible above it. It can be applied after an aeration procedure, which will allow the new soil to penetrate and mix with the clay soil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you turn clay into soil?
Yes, you can turn clay into soil. But the process takes a lot of time and patience. The result is a rich, organic soil capable of growing anything.
2. Does lime break down clay soil?
Yes, lime helps to improve the clay texture. It helps to increase the pH of acid clay soil, making them more alkaline, thus helping them stick into small particles. It makes the soil more friable and easier to work on.
3. What fertilizer breaks down clay?
Yes, if you want to break it down quickly then use materials that compost fast. Such materials include, leaf mold, green plant, and rotted manure.
4. Will coffee grounds break up clay soil?
Yes, coffee grounds can be used to amend heavy clay soils.
5. How do you break up clay soil without tilling?
For softer clay, you can use a shovel or a pitchfork to soften it. It will still produce the same effect as when you use a pickaxe.
6. Which Australian plants grow well in clay soil?
Some Australian plants that grow well in clay soil include, Acacia, Bankia, Brachyscome, Eucalyptus cinerea. Carex, etc.
Wrap Up!
Despite the disadvantage like compaction, poor drainage, cracking, and subsequent high water retention, clay soil is also rich in minerals.introducing organic materials or spiking with tools are a great way to break clay soil fast.
you can also introduce your own fresh and more workable soil through topdressing or building a raised garden bed that will help your plants thrive without having to worry about the clay’s disadvantages.
