Soil ¿ the ground, upper layer of earth in which plants grow, consisting of disintegrated rock usually with a mixture of organic remains. This is a general definition of soil, even to the point of some recognition to our needs. Soil is the carrier in which roots are 'embedded' and nutrients are passed through the roots into the plant whilst also being leached by the elements; it is a depository of pests and disease, in all a medium of activity.

Soils can be found as many variable 'constituents' with a range from thin to clay in nature, in Bermuda it is often found to be of a different consistency as one travels from parish to parish. Unfortunately in Bermuda we do not have the luxury of being able to purchase 'top soil' which in reality is the top ten to 12 inches of soil on 'virgin' land. However, having a reasonable soil mix is not necessarily out of the question, and one which should be considered seriously, for what is put down now as 'the foundation for plant life' must be of such a nature as to sustain plant growth for the long term, with as time goes by the addition of soil conditioners etc.

Bermuda soils are mostly alkaline with some high readings being found in some sampling; as an aside here, acid loving plants will not do well in these soils, and a special amendment of materials is required to give such plants a chance, and then only in containers. The pH (the alkaline/acid scale) controls a number of chemical and biological functions including nutrient availability and the availability of naturally occurring toxic elements. Soil found at levels below 12 inches are usually referred to as subsoils, and can to some degree be brought to a reasonable planting medium with the addition of other amendments and fertiliser. Such amendments including peat moss, horse, cow or chicken manure ¿ only after being 'weathered' for a period of time ¿ chipped horticultural waste when in an organic state, i.e. of a friable nature, and well broken down.

Sandy soils are usually 'hungry soils' and leach nutrients readily, whereas clay soils are more colloidal in their nature retaining and locking up specific nutrients. It is therefore beneficial to add some form of soil amendment to help increase the fertility level of the soil.

Unfortunately, when one purchases soil it is not topsoil, i.e. the top 12 inches, but invariably a mix of several 'substances' which are often questionable at best. The incorporation of well rotted cow or horse manure to soil will certainly enrich the content and its growing capacity. Peat moss has no fertiliser value as such and should be well wetted prior to mixing; peat will add some retentive value to sandy soils as well as body.

Well composted wood chippings or humus is also a good amendment for mixing, adding body to most mixes; it is advisable to add a fertiliser to mixes prior to planting; mixes should contain the base elements of nitrogen, phosphates and potash as well as trace elements such as magnesium, manganese, boron, zinc etc. the trace elements being required in small amounts in the soil but can be so important in the long term to ensure good growth.

I am not overly keen on the 'mulch' material that is obtained from the Pembroke Marsh facility; it is often found to have numerous foreign objects and is not decomposed to the point of being called humus.

Of course in Bermuda it's the depth of soil that is always the problem therefore provision must be made to accommodate root growth for the short and long term if potential growth is not to be uninterrupted. Soil depth is important as it is the reservoir of life for plants, it holds moisture and with it plant nutrients with which plants survive and grow.

Well fertilised soils produce far better plants than poorly maintained soils. Soil depth is also important as roots by their very nature are hydrotropic, they will trace and chase moisture, so the deeper the soil the better it is for plant growth and better survival during times of drought.

Observation will often tell you if your soil is capable of good growth, if plants look healthy and are actively growing showing no signs of nutrient deficiency then regular fertiliser programmes will work. However, if the plants struggle and little growth is observed or leaves are of a poor colour then problems need to be addressed. Having a healthy soil is cost effective and having a good healthy garden pays dividends visually and monetarily.

It might be a 'dry' subject but the old adage 'the answer lies in the soil' is as true today as it ever was!