Loamy soil, a sedimentary substrate

Which varieties are suited to loamy soils? Find the list of species to Planting according to soil type.

Silty soil is rich in alluvium, which is sediment deposited by river erosion. To qualify as silty, a soil must be composed of at least 35% silt and 10% clay.

Silty soil is characterized by a relatively balanced composition, making it ideal for growing vegetables and fruit trees, while also being easy to work.

Silty soil retains minerals well and remains permeable to air and water. It warms up quickly with the arrival of spring. This rich, fertile soil is suitable for all types of plants, with the exception of heather plants such as camellias and magnolias.

However, its low clay content limits the retention of organic matter. Compost must therefore be added regularly to maintain its fertility.

In addition, loamy soil is more sensitive to degradation by water and to compaction. It compacts easily, which can lead to the formation of a crust, making it impermeable and asphyxiating for young plants.

Tillage should therefore be kept to a minimum and carried out when the soil is very dry, to preserve its structure. To preserve a loamy soil, spreading fresh green waste all year round is a good compromise, as it serves both as mulch (to limit slaking) and compost.

Loamy soil is brown in color. Soft to the touch and powdery when dry, it leaves a brown-gray trace on the fingers when kneaded. If you roll it into a ball and throw it on the ground, it doesn't disintegrate completely, unlike sandy soil. It is, however, less solid than clay soil, which retains the shape you give it.

Finally, certain plants that grow spontaneously may indicate a predominantly loamy soil. These include quackgrass, creeping buttercup and wild pansy.