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Soil Improvement and Applying Mulches
Improving Soil Conditions
 Soils in our unique desert climate tend to lack organic matter, nutrients, and either drain too quickly (soil with sandy, larger materials) or too slowly (soil with more clay material). Because of this, it's a good idea to have your soil tested for its chemical composition and drainage ability prior to planting. You can have your soil tested at the UNR Cooperative Extension at (775) 784-7070.
Select a soil testing lab that tests for pH (acidity or alkalinity), salinity, fertility (nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus) and organic content. Ask the lab to provide you with recommendations on what you need to do to amend your soil properly. Based on the recommendations from the testing laboratory, amend the soil to best fit your planting needs. Amending the soil generally means adding 3-6 inches of organic material over the planting area; then rototill this material into the
soil to a depth of 12 inches. Click here to view some common soil amendments.
The best soil is a mixture of various sized particle material called loam. It is usually high in organic matter and drains well, yet is very moisture-retentive. Figure 1-1 shows equal parts of native soil and amendment material prior to mixing.
A simple way to test your soil drainage is to dig a 2-foot hole and fill it with water to see if the water drains in 24 hours. Fill it again with water on the next day. If the water has drained, then the soil has adequate drainage. If after 48 hours the water hasn't drained, then amendments need to be added to open the soil. If the water drains in less than 6 hours both days, then amendments are needed to help the soil retain moisture.
Taking the time to test and then amend your soil builds a
better root zone for all your plants enabling them to develop deeper roots. Deeper roots build drought-tolerant plants and a more water efficient landscape.
Mulch, the Protective Blanket for Your Plants
Mulch is any organic or inorganic covering that protects a plant's root zone from water loss and weeds, and helps maintain even soil temperatures. Mulches include: bark, hay or straw, leaves, pine needles or rocks and gravel. Mulch is generally applied about three inches deep after the drip system has been installed (Figures 1-2 and 1-3). One cubic yard of mulch three inches deep covers approximately 100 square feet.
Before the mulch is laid down, you may want to use landscape fabric for weed control. This porous, woven material inhibits seed germination and allows water and air to pass through. Plastic is not recommended because it prevents air and water movement and deteriorates rapidly in northern Nevada's arid climate.
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