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Nutrients present in the soil are  prime determinants of its fertility. A soil test would always demonstrate the presence, absence, and requirements of nutrients. The soil in your garden may require further improvements if the soil -test results suggest so. In order to improve the soil quality you will have to ensure specific additions introducing a change in the physical and chemical condition of the soil. This is also known as “soil amendment“.Soil amendment is a process that helps in conserving moisture if applied correctly. It also helps in improving the infiltration of rain or irrigation water. But one of the major advantages of soil amendment is that it helps in unblocking the existing level of nutrients already present in the soil. In this way soil amendment enhances the process of nutrient absorption in to the soil and this reduces the surface run-off to a great extent.

Expert gardeners are generally aware of one or more soil amendment methods but if you are a beginner or simply a hobbyist then you must dig out further details about soil amendment and several methods to improve the soil quality.

One of the most common methods is to improve the soil pH levels. A soil test would always let you know the present pH level of soil in your garden. This may be acidic or basic (alkaline) in nature. Depending upon the nature of plants you are planning to grow in your garden you need to plan for soil improvement accordingly. ‘Sulphur’ and ‘Lime’ are two such most common amendments that are added to the soil for balancing its pH value.  Powdered limestone and dolomite are the best supplements for calcium and magnesium. With these additions the soil pH will increase in value as the soil will turn more alkaline in nature. On the other hand, addition of sulphur in powdered or liquid form will enhance the acidic nature of the soil. You must always remember that any addition to the soil will largely depend upon the existing pH level of the soil. You should only try to achieve the desired pH level. And the best way to ensure this is to keep checking the soil of your garden periodically.

Another method to amend the soil is to add wood ashes to it. This will increase the soil pH value. Compared to other methods this method is a slow one and you need to add double the quantity of wood ashes compared to the limestone or dolomite. Wood ashes must be spread in thin layer so that soil can absorb the nutrients in proper way. While applying wood ashes in your garden it is also pertinent to understand that you must check the quality of soil at least twice a year.

Using the wood ashes in proper way is extremely important otherwise it will create a problem of toxicity in your garden. Eliminate any coal ash particles if they are present in the wood ashes. You should never try to apply wood ashes in large quantity. The quantity in general should never exceed 20 pounds per 1000 square feet.

There are some other methods to improve the soil quality and many of them focus on improving the soil nutrients level. To address the deficiency of potassium you may use ‘greensand’ and ‘granite meal’. Both these supplements are slow releasing agents of potassium. ‘Granite meal’ is simply the finely ground granite rock and can easily be obtained from a garden store. ‘Greensand’ contains low potassium but since it gets dissolved easily and the soil absorbed the potassium easily it is generally preferred.

Other soil amendment and nutritional agents that can be easily procured from markets also include condensed milk, kelp meal, worm castings, and an array of synthetic fertilizers.