Soil texture affects soil fertility and nutrient management. Coarser soils are less able to hold and retain nutrients than finer soils. For example, coarse-textured soil, such as sand, allows nitrogen to leach faster than fine-textured soil, such as sandy clay loam, clay loams, and clay.
Farmers face a balancing act when deciding how much fertilizer to apply. Applying too much wastes money and adds to nutrient runoff problems. Applying too little reduces yields. Soil testing will tell you exactly how much of each vital nutrient is in your soil, as well as what type and how much fertilizer is required.
Soil texture affects soil fertility and nutrient management. Coarser soils are less able to hold and retain nutrients than finer soils. For example, coarse-textured soil, such as sand, allows nitrogen to leach faster than fine-textured soil, such as sandy clay loam, clay loams, and clay.
To have a successful garden, have your soil tested and amend it if necessary to create the best possible growing environment for plants. Testing your soil means you determine the pH level and nutrient content. Both are important factors in how well your garden grows.