The clay soil holds water well, but is not ideal for drainage, because the clay is heavy and sticky due to its density in the wet state. Native plants have adapted to the high density of clay and lack of nutrients. However, if you want to create a diverse garden, you need to remove these traps by adding amendments. The first thing to do after testing the pH of the soil is to reduce the density of the clay to get a loose soil texture. The article gives information on what is expanded shale and how to use it in the yard.
What is Expanded Shale?
Shale is one of the most layered rocks. It is a fine-grained rock of clay, including clay flakes and various other minerals such as quartz and calcite. The resulting rock easily decomposes directly into thin layers called fissility.
Expanded shale is found in places like Texas, 3 to 4.5 meters (10-15 feet) below the mud surface. When Texas was an important sea bed, it was created during the Cretaceous Period. Waste in the lake, under pressure from the bituminous shale
Expanded Shale Information
Expanded shale is formed when the shale is clogged and discharged, even in a 2000F rotary kiln. (1.093 ° C). This procedure expands the small air zones in the shale. The resulting element is called enlarged or hardened shale.
The shale is a light grey permeable crushed stone, covering changes in perlite and even the remains of vermiculite silicate. It includes heavy loamy mud which makes the mud lighter and fresher. Expanded shale also retains 40% of its mass in water, making plants much better.
Unlike natural changes, expanded shale does not damage, leaving dirt brittle, as well as loosened for many years.
Benefits of Using Expanded Shale
Breaks heavy clay soils
The garden soil is generally thick and made of heavy clay, which is a problem for plant growth. The expanded shale breaks heavy clays and gives plants access to the necessary air and water.
Increase water retention
When the drought hits the garden plants growing in the soil with the addition of loose clay shale, they continue to bloom without much more water. The glue helps to retain moisture, so less water is needed.
Improve water drainage
At the same time, the porous nature of the soil improver promotes adequate drainage. Heavy clay soils, which are common in gardens, are moist, and without the necessary corrections, the problem can adversely affect plant growth.
Promotes adequate ventilation
The roots of garden plants need sufficient oxygen for healthy growth. Additives that improve the quality of loose floors have the right amount of porosity in the right amount to improve ventilation and maintain the correct soil density.
Maintains the necessary nutrients
The expanded shale structure allows the main nutrients to be stored in air-conditioned gardens. After fertilizing the cultivator, it can be easily adjusted and in some cases kept to a minimum.
Ensure proper soil structure
Thanks to expanded shale technology, gardens are much less susceptible to compaction after irrigation. Apply only a few centimeters to the surface and the structure of the soil will remain in excellent condition throughout the season.
Improve the quality of the compost
Expanded shale conditioner is also a smart addition to the compound. The material is a buffer for biodegradable substances and when placed in the garden, the adhesive provides an ideal long-term structure.
How to Add Expanded Shale
Remember that most root systems of flowers and plants grow on the first 20-30 cm of soil in the garden. This is the lowest depth at which shale should be added (both sizes of gravel).
Tiller: Use the tiller to dig the first 10 inches of earth, add expanded shale, and gently press the gravel to the ground.
Double digging: this manual method requires a lot of work. Dig a trench 30 cm deep with a shovel and/or tiller (you can also work in nets) and add expanded shale. Put the soil back in the excavation and mix with gravel until both are completely mixed.
Application: Mix 1 to 3 inches of shale to obtain 6 to 8 inches of soil.
Final Thought
Expanded shale is a great way to loosen and aerate clay soils and improve moisture retention in sandy soils. It should not be used in place of organic matter but should be added if there is too much clay in the soil.