Fruit set can be hampered by lack of nutrients, pH imbalances, and inconsistent watering. Fruit and seed quality declines in nutrient poor soils. Plants that are nutrient and water stressed are less likely to tolerate insect and pathogen attack. The soil should have a good structure or tilth for adequate water and air pore space, and be fairly uniform and free of compacted layers. Muck soils, which are high in organic matter or peat, are suitable for some leafy, bulb, and root crops.
Sandy soils dry out faster and warm up quicker in the spring.
They can be worked in the spring or after a rain sooner, with less damage to their structure. Sandy soils drain quickly and do not become water logged. These soils have large pore spaces for air storage. Because sandy soils have large pore spaces, water and minerals can quickly leach out of the root zone and into the deeper soil horizons or water table. Plants are more likely to experience nutrient and water deficiencies.