{"id":1460,"date":"2023-03-13T15:58:32","date_gmt":"2023-03-13T15:58:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kaleidoscapellc.com\/?p=1460"},"modified":"2023-03-23T20:48:18","modified_gmt":"2023-03-23T20:48:18","slug":"colorado-soil-what-doesnt-kill-you-makes-you-stronger","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kaleidoscapellc.com\/2023\/03\/colorado-soil-what-doesnt-kill-you-makes-you-stronger\/","title":{"rendered":"Colorado Soil: What Doesn’t Kill You, Makes You Stronger"},"content":{"rendered":"
Like the weather, Colorado loves to surprise us with its unpredictable soil. With vast differences in topography and conditions, the soil in our state varies drastically from heavy clays, quick-draining sands, to decomposed granite. Understanding the unique properties and challenges of a site\u2019s soil is imperative to establishing healthy and resilient plants.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s dynamic, it\u2019s complex, it\u2019s so much more than broken up sediment and rocks. Soil is a medium for life. Hosting a plethora of microorganisms and earthworms, it truly is an ecosystem of its own. Without soil, we would not be here. Taking time to acquaint ourselves with the soil in our yard not only gives us deep appreciation, but it provides us with the necessary information to foster robust and resilient landscapes for years to come.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Well-managed Western soil typically breaks down to be 25% air, 25% water, 47% mineral, and 3% organic matter. This combination is the ideal environment for healthy root growth. Unfortunately, this is not the case for most of us, and while other factors play a role, soil tilth can make or break a healthy landscape. Soil issues may often be the culprit for unwell perennials, sick trees, or dying lawns.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Urban environments are notorious for having compacted, clay soils. Clay soils present a unique set of planting challenges: heavy compaction, low organic matter content, textural interface differences, and reduction in pore space. The drainage issues that arise from compacted soils result in low oxygen and saturation, inhibiting root growth and plant vitality. Additionally, our soil suffers from high pH, nutrient deficiencies, and high salt content. Being a plant in Colorado isn\u2019t always easy. However, what doesn\u2019t kill you, makes you stronger!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nFirst, what exactly is soil?\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
“So, what is the \u2018golden ticket\u2019 of soil for the Front Range?\u201d you might ask.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
So, what do we do with Colorado soil? How can we make it better?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n