A good loamy topsoil contains 50 % solid matter containing and 50 % pore space.  The solid matter contains mineral material and organic material.  The mineral matter makes up 45-49% of the total soil volume and the organic matter makes up 1-5% of the total soil volume.  The 50% pore space is made up of approximately 25%  water and 25% air.  The water is held in the smaller pore spaces and the air is held in the larger pore spaces.  Working a soil when it is too wet or too dry can be difficult and destroy structure. 

The objective of this exercise is to study the soil in the Holistic Garden to learn the best ways to prepare the soil.

• Study the soils in the holistic garden.

• Determine soil texture using the feel test and particle separation test.

• Puddle a small area of soil or work it when it is too wet to see the effect on soil properties.

•  Observe the soil structure in different parts of the Holistic Garden.

•  Study the soil profile of unammended soil in the Holistic Garden.

•  Conduct the feel test to determine the proper soil moisture for working the soil without damaging it.