TEXAS URBAN LANDSCAPE GUIDE
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Texas AgriLife Extension Service Texas Water Development Board Texas Nursery and Landscape Association Texas AgriLife Extension Service Texas AgriLife Extension Service
A supplement to the Best Management Practices Manual produced by the Texas Water Conservation Task Force.

Soil Analysis and Improvement

A soil analysis is essential for a WaterWise landscape plan. Results of the analysis, and actions needed to alter the quality of the soil, are also essential components. Soil depth dictates which plants will thrive in an area and how much water they will need. Soil type, (sandy, clay, etc.) dictates timing and extent of supplemental irrigation. The beginning point for such an analysis should always be a soil test. For more about soil tests visit the TAMU soil testing lab Web site:
Texas A&M University Soil, Water and Forage Testing Laboratory

The method of soil improvement in a WaterWise landscape is important. First choice is use of compost. Other additives are more snort term in nature and may require additional supplemental irrigation. For more information about compost and compost standards see [ website ].


"Compost is used to supply nutrients to plants and improve the water holding capacity of the soil..."



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Photo courtesy Carol Cammack, TCE
Introduction to Dillo DirtTM, http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/water/dillo.htm