Using instruments such as these in your orchard as it grows and produces can also be helpful because you can relate problems with growth or yield to weather conditions. Slide 7 Soil texture refers to the size of the soil particles. Gravel, a larger particle, maybe present in some soils. 8 A loam is a mix of these types of soil particles. Most fruit crops do best in a sandy to sandy loam soil.
Sandy soils tend to drain better than clay soils.
However, a sandy soil may be underlaid by clay layers, which will affect drainage. In addition to these particles, soils also contain varying amounts of organic matter. Slide 9 Soil structure refers to how particles stick together. This is important because it can affect infiltration as well as pore space which influences root growth, drainage, and soil aeration. Organic matter can help to improve structure of soil, especially clay soils.