Soil doesn't absorb water
General None Given
For some reason when I water my plants the soil doesn't absorb the water and it disturbs the seeds because it kind of flows off of the top and takes time for the soil to drink it in. Any idea what the problem may be?
Thanks,
Rome
Thanks,
Rome
Posted
by: reem
(9 points)
Posted: October 10, 2014
Answers
You soil is so dry that the particles have become hydrophobic. They repel water.
Soil must be kept moist and not allowed to dry out so much. Keep a layer of mulch above the soil helps retain moisture.
Only put seeds onto soil that is moist. Not such dry soil.
You can pierce the soil with a stick so the water goes into the soil and doesn't flow off.
Soil must be kept moist and not allowed to dry out so much. Keep a layer of mulch above the soil helps retain moisture.
Only put seeds onto soil that is moist. Not such dry soil.
You can pierce the soil with a stick so the water goes into the soil and doesn't flow off.
Posted
by: David Hughes
(68 points)
Posted: October 11, 2014
Hydrophobic soil on a small scale can be solved with wetting agents and other products to attack the waxy residues on (and between) the particles of sandy soils. Particles of organic matter (e.g. oily Eucalyptus leaves in Australia) may act as a hydrophobic component in soil and also transfer waxes to the soil particles. I have areas of soil that behave like talcum powder when dry, and if hosed for several minutes persist in simply floating 'dry dust' to the surface. Various lengthy treatments are required. You need to Google those!
Posted
by: Stephen Segrave
(1 point)
Posted: November 13, 2014
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Are you talking about soil outside or in pots? about 10 years ago.