Clay Soil

A heavy soil which retains water and will often have a poor soil structure and slow drainage capability in turfgrass situations. An example of a clay soil is one that contains the following: 20% sand, 20% silt, 60% clay. It is prone to compaction and surface smearing except during prolonged dry periods, when the soil will be prone to cracking, which may be beneficial within the soil profile but not on the surface where it will make playability conditions poor and frequently unsafe. However, if an extensive grass root system is present then this will help bind the soil and significantly reduce surface cracking. A soil that has significant clay particle within it will often be nutrient rich, especially in potassium, calcium and magnesium often requiring little, if any, additional inputs of these nutrients.