Science and the Garden: The Scientific Basis of Horticultural Practice Edited by David S. Ingram, Daphne Vince-Prue, Peter J. Gregory Copyright © 2002 Royal Horticultural Society
4 Soils and Soil Fertility •
Recognising key features of the soil
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Factors affecting soil type: time, climate, parent materials, organisms, topography
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Properties of materials constituting soils: physical and chemical properties; biological properties
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Managing soils in the garden
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What plants require from the soil and why
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Root structure, growth and activity
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Cultivating soils and essentials for planting
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Managing soil nutrients: manures, composts and fertilisers
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Managing pH
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Managing water
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