5 common soil problems and how to fix them

From unstable pH to nutrient deficiency, there's a wide variety of problems that can impact your soil and hamper the growth in your garden. Fortunately, most of these problems are easy to spot and fix. Let's learn how.

Soil salinity can reduce a soil's fertility. Though often attributable to salt spray in coastal regions, inland it's more likely to be the result of the underground water table lying close to the surface. Saline soil needs to be managed with care to restore it to a relatively fertile state.

• To begin with, mulch with a good layer of organic matter to decrease water usage and reduce salinity.
• Consider growing salt-tolerant plants in order to lower the water table.
• If necessary, install an underground drainage system to carry excess water off.
• Fertilizers can also be used, but follow the supplier's instructions carefully. In time, the salinity should fall and the soil will be more productive.

Compacted soil often results from the presence of heavy loads. For instance, building a house may result in tamped-down areas around the site. The solution is to add gypsum and organic matter to help restore the soil structure.

Loss of topsoil can reduce soil quality. A long, dry spell in open country can easily result in topsoil being blown away by the wind. Soils are also particularly vulnerable after a forest fire, which often destroys soil-binding plants. The solution is to mulch with thick layers of organic matter.

Nutrient deficiency is often the reason for an unhealthy plant. Poor or stunted growth, yellowing of foliage, or susceptibility to disease or insect attack can all point to deteriorating soil quality. To solve this problem, revitalize the soil with organic matter and a well-balanced general fertilizer.

The acidity or alkalinity of a substance is expressed as a pH number, ranging from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline). Measuring a soil's pH can help judge the ease with which plants absorb nutrients.

• Soil that has a pH level between 6.5 and 7 is ideal for growing most vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
• Plants such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, rhubarb, and watermelons can tolerate soil that is a bit more acidic, down to pH 5.5.

Soil-testing kits for home gardens are inexpensive and are commonly available from hardware stores and plant nurseries. An economical alternative is to test the soil with litmus paper, available from the pharmacy. Here's how:

• Press the paper into damp soil and wait for it to moisten and change colour.
• If the paper turns pink, the soil is acidic and has a pH value less than 7. If it turns blue, that signifies alkalinity and a pH value above 7. If there is no change, the soil is neutral and has a pH value of exactly 7.

If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, don't fret. Here's how to adjust your soil's pH:

• To correct alkaline soil, add large quantities of compost or manure. Compost containing pine needles and finely-shredded bark is especially effective.
• To correct acidic soil, incorporate plenty of organic matter along with some lime, dolomite, or wood ashes.

Don't let your soil suffer. Use this guide to identify and address any problems or deficiencies in your soil. You'll be rewarded with a healthier, lusher garden.