Description of practice
Claying soils is the practice of adding and mixing (specific types of) clay to soil to improve plant growth and health. The type and quantity of clay added depends on the current soil composition, the climate and type of crop.
| Examples of how to use claying soils | Further information (see Note below) |
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Clay spreadingCarry graders are used to excavate the clay subsoil and spread it in strips across the field. The source of the clay-rich subsoil needs to be located near the site of application. |
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Clay spadingClay spading involves shallow delving tines that penetrate the soil to a depth of 50 cm. Rotary spaders, deep-rippers or shallow delving can be used to lift the in situ subsoil clay. |
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Claying to reduce water repellenceClaying is used to remediate water repellence by incorporating clay-rich soil into water repellent topsoil. This is achieved by either importing clay rich soils or mixing different soil layers. |
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Note: Most of the Further information links are to a full description of the example in the WOCAT database. However sometimes the link may be to similar practices or a research paper. Occasionally the link is to a commercial product in which case it should be understood that this does not imply any endorsement of the product by iSQAPER.