Re: Sandy Soils test?: Follow up

**L* J* <l*@tds.net>**

So much good info. I found the info from your previous email very 
helpful, Lois, especially the links to your blog and Marcus de la 
Fleur. The drainage issue is another consideration.
Andrew also sent me a great link that shows a do-it-yourself texture 
test. I know this will be a great place to start. Here's that link...
<http://www.taunton.com/finegardening/how-to/articles/hows-your-soil-texture.aspx>http://www.taunton.com/finegardening/how-to/articles/hows-your-soil-texture.aspx

Thanks for all the help...I hope we can get those sprinklers turned 
off this summer!
Lynn

At 03:39 PM 4/1/2008, you wrote:
>  I think what Lynn's friend needs is a determination of the permeability
>(or porosity) of the soils which, if proffered by an uncredentialed
>layperson, will not be accepted by the town government or the HOA. I
>don't know if landscape architects do this, but engineers who work for
>municipalities do. If the soils truly are sandy, adding more water won't
>help. It is the size of the sand/gravel particles that matters, not what
>rock/minerals they are. Bigger particles, sharper drainage. The
>microscopic soils of clay, on the other hand, prevent water from
>penetrating (that's why landfills are sealed with clay). Sharper drainage
>would also carry pollutants, such as fertilizers, through the soil and
>into the groundwater faster. The more they water, the faster the
>fertilizer leaves the lawn.
>
>There are so many variables there, you really do need more information.
>
>Regards,
>Lois
>Visit http://loisdevries.blogspot.com
>
>On Tue, 01 Apr 2008 09:17:50 -0400 Lynn Jenkins <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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"We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. 
When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to 
use it with love and respect."

Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac (1949)

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