How often should I test water retention?

Testing water retention should occur at major seasonal shifts and in advance of any major season-altering events. I test my Utah garden soil monthly during the growing season, after heavy rains or during droughts, and as soon as possible following any amendment changes. These visits allow me to detect problems early, way before plants exhibit signs of stress, conserving water and preserving my gardening investment.

You can perform the squeeze test virtually anywhere and at any time. Soak a small amount of soil until it reaches the consistency of putty, and then form it into a ball with your hands. A good retention soil will hold its shape for a short period before crumbling. A sandy soil will crumble immediately. Clay will form firm balls. I teach this at area workshops, where you get immediate feedback on the condition of your soil.

If you're looking for quantitative data, you can perform percolation tests. Dig a 12-inch hole and fill it with water, and time how fast it drains. Ideal soil drains at a rate of about 1-2 inches per hour. If it drains faster, then it has poor retention. I do this quarterly and record my results in my garden journal. Examining the results over time will reveal patterns that can guide you in your ongoing improvement efforts.

Following results to inform your decision. If you have retention issues, you will most likely need to add organic matter to the soil. If you have excessive retention issues, drainage solutions would be required. I make adjustments to amendments based on the test results. The frequency of testing depends on the soil type; sandy soils typically require more frequent testing than loam. Remember to always retest after making changes.

Read the full article: 7 Proven Water Retention Soil Methods