Re: Sandy Soils test?

**H*@aol.com**

There is a simple test that can be done at home that will tell you the  
fractions of the soil components...sand, silt and clay.  It's done in a jar  with 
Calgonite...a dishwashing detergent.  You take a certain amount of  soil, add a 
certain amount of water and Calgonite then take a few measurements  of what 
settles out over a period of time.  You then take these details to  determine 
with a soil triangle what type of soil you have.  Drop me a line  if you 
(anyone) needs details and I'll see if I still have them on file.

Andrew Messinger
The Hampton Gardener

The Hampton Gardener is a Registered Trade  Mark
(Published every Thursday in the Southampton Press, The Press and the  
Easthampton Press)

In a message dated 4/1/2008 9:18:23 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
ljenks@tds.net writes:

There is  an HOA board which claims they must irrigate the lawns 
(excessively)  because their soil is sandy. Not likely in clay/loam 
Indiana, but are  there actual tests, or is that a judgement call by a 
professional looking  at the soil? I don't live there, but am 
assisting a friend as she fights  the HOA for forced irrigation 
practices in this age of water conservation  issues.
Can these tests be professionally done? These people won't talk to  
anyone unless they are "professionals."  The irrigation  
"professionals" have convinced them to water, water, water or the  
lawns will turn brown! UGH.

Lynn Jenkins
Indiana Living  Green, Inc.
a Hoosier's guide to a sustainable  lifestyle
www.IndianaLivingGreen.com
Lynn@IndianaLivingGreen.com
317.769.3456
317-769-5756  Fax  
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