The soil you have can say a lot about the health of your plants — especially if you’re looking at compaction. This is when the soil is pressed down so tightly that it closes the gaps between soil particles. In other words, it reduces the soil porosity. Compacted soil can stunt root growth, hinder nutrient absorption, and block water drainage. This, in turn, can prevent plants from growing properly, and you may notice fewer fruits, flowers, and vegetables appearing on your greenery. 

There are four main types of soil you can work with: clay, sand, silt, and loam. Some of these — the clay and silt types, in particular — are more likely to be compacted. Your best bet for avoiding this issue is to go for the loam type.

Clay soil is made up of very small particles that can be compressed, which means that air and water don’t easily flow through. While some plants do well in clay, most of your greenery will have a hard time, to say the least. Silt soil has medium-sized particles but is still prone to compaction. Meanwhile, sand particles are too large for many plants and can dry out quickly. Loam, on the other hand, consists of sand, clay, and silt in almost equal amounts. This allows for just the right amount of infiltration, making it ideal for most plants in your garden.

The balanced particle composition of loamy soil means it can resist compaction. It’s porous enough for excess water to flow through it while retaining some moisture — perfect for drought resistance. This creates a healthy balance that your plants will enjoy. Also, the amount of organic matter in loam makes it one of the most fertile types of soil you can have in your yard. Plants need that organic matter to get the nutrients they need to grow and develop. 

Drainage aside, being looser than silt and clay also allows loam to be well-aerated. This makes it easy for roots to grow deep enough and absorb more water and nutrients from the soil. And let’s not forget to mention that loam has a balanced pH — which equals more nutrients.

Gardening with loam is easy, too. Its balanced texture makes tilling, planting, and transplanting a breeze. Plus, the combination of fine particles and organic matter prevents the soil from being swept away by wind or water. But it doesn’t stop there. Compared to clay, for example, loam tends to warm up faster in the spring. This means you can start planting sooner and benefit from an extended growing season. Over time, loam will boost the quality of your soil, improving its fertility and structure while promoting beneficial microbial activity. The result is a healthier garden that keeps on giving.