What is the definition of preparation of soil?

Answer 1

Some questions assume a background or paradigm (point of view.) This question assumes that a person is planning to plant something like a garden.

First we suggest that the person look at the proposed harvest and find what are the the needs for that kind of crop. These needs might include soil type and nutrients, space, water availability , and climate (temperature range, hours of daylight or direct sun ). At times the particular species of the desired plant might need to be replaced with a similar plant species but one that is better adapted to the particular environs of the land at hand. Other times the soil it self needs to be tested to determine general nutrient levels and acidity/ alkalinity (also called Ph.)

The various nutrients that a given plant requires will dissolve into water easier or more difficult based on the nutrient and the Ph needs of that nutrient. In other words there may be nitrogen, iron, phosphorous, or potassium or other in the soil but not be available to the plant because the Ph makes more difficult to absorb the element.

This is here the soil preparation comes into the picture On a small scale and in limited ways the soil may be modified by adding expanded shale to clay, or organic material like compost to "washed out" soil. In one case it tends to break up the clay soil that has packed so that roots can not penetrate or find the nutrients. In the other the organic material will tend to correct the Ph freeing up more of the nutrients required by the plant.

Over time and with careful selection of the plants the soil may be reclaimed to what ever crop is needed. Even Toxic waste lands like strip mines have been reclaimed to produce beneficial harvests. In conclusion a garden like yours can be made to produce a beautiful and appealing crop. I wish you well.