Hydrophobic Soil? - Ask Extension
Hello,I recently purchased some soil from a local landscape supply. They call it their "Garden Mix", and it is supposedly 50% topsoil, 30% compost, ...
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Hydrophobic Soil? #722976
Asked September 11, 2020, 2:52 PM EDT
Hello,
I recently purchased some soil from a local landscape supply. They call it their "Garden Mix", and it is supposedly 50% topsoil, 30% compost, and 20% peat. I had just built some raised garden beds, and we added this new soil to a depth of about 15". What I am discovering, is that the soil doesn't appear to absorb water very well at all. We had watered it and seen this issue, and I thought perhaps it needed to settle and make channels for the water to absorb. We then had this snow and that sat on top of the soil for several days, but now that it has melted, I went to check it again. It is still only moist about an inch or so from the surface, even though the ground around these garden beds is very saturated. Is this likely a case of hydrophobic soil? What is the best option?
I recently purchased some soil from a local landscape supply. They call it their "Garden Mix", and it is supposedly 50% topsoil, 30% compost, and 20% peat. I had just built some raised garden beds, and we added this new soil to a depth of about 15". What I am discovering, is that the soil doesn't appear to absorb water very well at all. We had watered it and seen this issue, and I thought perhaps it needed to settle and make channels for the water to absorb. We then had this snow and that sat on top of the soil for several days, but now that it has melted, I went to check it again. It is still only moist about an inch or so from the surface, even though the ground around these garden beds is very saturated. Is this likely a case of hydrophobic soil? What is the best option?
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
Yes, it's likely just so dry that it's going to take some time for it to get thoroughly moistened. Peat moss especially can be very hydrophobic and take awhile to moisten.
Just keep watering it. If you're able to "stir" or mix the soil after you add moisture, that will help. I don't know how practical or easy this will be since it's such a large volume. But just water and let it soak in. Water again. Let it soak in. It's going to take a lot of effort to get the soil profile hydrated. The winter rains and snows will help too!
Yes, it's likely just so dry that it's going to take some time for it to get thoroughly moistened. Peat moss especially can be very hydrophobic and take awhile to moisten.
Just keep watering it. If you're able to "stir" or mix the soil after you add moisture, that will help. I don't know how practical or easy this will be since it's such a large volume. But just water and let it soak in. Water again. Let it soak in. It's going to take a lot of effort to get the soil profile hydrated. The winter rains and snows will help too!
