Amendments

What is an amendment?

An amendment is a substance or material added to soil to improve its physical, chemical or biological quality. Amendments are used to correct soil deficiencies, improve structure, adjust pH, increase water retention capacity, stimulate biological activity and promote plant growth.

A soil improver is a substance or material added to the soil to improve its physical, chemical or biological quality, thereby promoting plant growth.

Soil improvers are used to correct soil deficiencies, improve structure, adjust pH, increase water retention capacity, stimulate biological activity and promote plant growth.

Commonly used soil improvers include organic matter (compost, manure), mineral soil improvers (limestone, sulfur), structural soil improvers (sand, gravel), organic fertilizers and biological soil improvers (beneficial microorganisms).

The choice of soil improver depends on the specific characteristics of the soil, the needs of the plants and the crop objectives. Soil analysis is recommended to identify deficiencies and specific problems, and agronomic experts should be consulted for appropriate recommendations.

Soil improvers can be ploughed into the soil, spread on the surface or applied locally around plant roots, depending on the type of improver and growing conditions.

Soil amendments are generally applied before planting or during soil preparation, to allow the added substances to mix and integrate effectively.

Yes, soil improvers are often used as part of sustainable farming practices because they improve soil health, reduce erosion, promote water conservation and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers.

In most cases, soil improvers are considered safe when used as recommended. However, it is important to choose trusted sources and respect recommended doses to avoid negative impacts on the environment or plant health.

Yes, soil improvers can be used on a wide range of crops, from food crops to ornamentals, greenhouses and field crops.

Soil amendments can have long-term effects, gradually improving soil quality over time. However, it may be necessary to repeat applications periodically to maintain long-term benefits and meet the needs of the soil.

The most common types of amendment are :

  1. Organic matter: Organic soil improvers, such as compost, manure, crop residues or peat moss, add organic matter to the soil, improving its structure, fertility and water-holding capacity.

  2. Mineral amendments: Mineral amendments, such as limestone, gypsum or sulfur, are used to adjust soil pH. For example, limestone is used to raise the pH of acid soils, while sulfur is used to lower the pH of alkaline soils.

  3. Amendments to improve soil structure: Certain amendments, such as sand, gravel, vermiculite or perlite, can be added to improve soil structure, promoting drainage and aeration.

  4. Organic fertilizers: Some organic fertilizers, such as composted fertilizers or fishmeal-based fertilizers, can also be considered as soil improvers, as they contribute both to fertilization and to improving soil quality.

  5. Biological amendments: Biological amendments include beneficial microorganisms, such as bacterial or fungal inoculants, which are added to the soil to stimulate biological activity and promote the decomposition of organic matter.

Soil conditioners are generally applied before planting or during soil preparation. They can be incorporated into the soil by ploughing, spread on the surface or applied locally around plant roots.

Soil improvers are used to improve soil fertility, plant health, agricultural productivity and the sustainability of farming practices. They can also contribute to the conservation of natural resources, the reduction of erosion, water management and the reduction of chemical fertilizer use.

It's important to select the right amendments for your specific soil characteristics, plant needs and crop objectives. Regular soil analysis is also recommended to assess amendment requirements and adjust applications accordingly.