Linear aeration is an
aeration process that allows water to penetrate the
soil
Soil, also commonly referred to as earth or dirt, is a mixture of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids, and organisms that together support life. Some scientific definitions distinguish ''dirt'' from ''soil'' by restricting the former te ...
and to be retained in the proper amounts.
Linear aeration also adds
organic
Organic may refer to:
* Organic, of or relating to an organism, a living entity
* Organic, of or relating to an anatomical organ
Chemistry
* Organic matter, matter that has come from a once-living organism, is capable of decay or is the product ...
nutrition, soil softeners (
humus
In classical soil science, humus is the dark organic matter in soil that is formed by the decomposition of plant and animal matter. It is a kind of soil organic matter. It is rich in nutrients and retains moisture in the soil. Humus is the Lati ...
,
topsoil
Topsoil is the upper layer of soil. It has the highest concentration of organic matter and microorganisms and is where most of the Earth's biological soil activity occurs.
Description
Topsoil is composed of mineral particles and organic matt ...
,
compost
Compost is a mixture of ingredients used as plant fertilizer and to improve soil's physical, chemical and biological properties. It is commonly prepared by decomposing plant, food waste, recycling organic materials and manure. The resulting m ...
, sand,
clay, etc.) if necessary.
Gardens
In linear aeration, the necessary organic matter is added on top of the soil surface, between plantings. The grooves are then cut into the soil to let the amendments and additives enter the soil. The grooves are then recovered in the same passage.
Lawns
Linear aeration also alleviates excessive water in
lawn areas. In linear aeration, the necessary organic matter is added on top of the turf. Next, grooves are cut into the turf to let the soil additives enter the soil; the grooves are recovered in the same passage.
Benefits of linear aeration
Gardens
*Promotes stronger and deeper root development, for plant health and drought tolerance;
*Permits proper distribution of
soil amendment
A soil conditioner is a product which is added to soil to improve the soil’s physical qualities, usually its fertility (ability to provide nutrition for plants) and sometimes its mechanics. In general usage, the term "soil conditioner" is often ...
s and additives;
*Allows organic nutrition absorption.
Lawns
*Alleviates
soil compaction
In geotechnical engineering, soil compaction is the process in which stress applied to a soil causes densification as air is displaced from the pores between the soil grains. When stress is applied that causes densification due to water (or other ...
in heavily traveled areas;
*Provides smoother
lawn surfaces;
*Drastically reduces disruption of actual turf surface compared to coring or plugs aeration;
*Causes minimal interruption of use of athletic fields.
See also
*
Soil improvers index
References
Soil
Soil improvers
Horticultural techniques
Lawn care
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