All About Loam Soil: What is it & What is it Used For?

Loam soil is a type of soil that’s made up of a combination of sand, silt, and clay particles. It’s long been prized for its fertility and water-holding capacity, which make it an excellent choice for growing crops. 

In this post, we'll take a closer look at what loam soil is, how it's composed, and what it's used for.

What Is Loam Soil?

Loam soil is composed of three main elements — sand, silt, and clay — which are found in different proportions depending on where the soil is located. 

Generally speaking, loam soil will contain 40 to 60% sand particles (2-0.05 mm in size), 20-50% silt particles (0.002-0.05 mm in size), and 10-30% clay particles (less than 0.002 mm in size). 

This mixture makes the soil easy to work with while providing enough texture to hold moisture and nutrients in place.

What Is Loam Soil Used For?

Loam soil has long been prized for its ability to hold air and water while still having good drainage properties. This makes it an excellent choice for growing crops like vegetables, flowers, trees, shrubs, grasses, and other plants because the water can penetrate deeply into the ground without becoming soggy or too dry. 

In addition to being used as garden topsoil or potting mix for container gardening, loam can also be used to fill low spots or level uneven areas in lawns or gardens. It can even be used as a base layer beneath driveways or sidewalks!

Why Does Your Maine Lawn Need Loam Soil?

Loam soil serves as the ideal foundation for your Maine lawn due to its unique composition of sand, silt, and clay. This highly desirable soil type offers the perfect balance of drainage and moisture retention, which is essential for the growth and prosperity of your grass. 

In addition, loam soil's richness in organic matter and nutrients promotes the development of robust root systems and contributes to an overall healthy and lush appearance. Plus, loam’s soil structure even helps reduce soil erosion and compaction, ensuring long-term sustainability for your carefully cultivated landscape in Maine. 

In essence, a lawn rooted in loam soil will not only thrive in a New England climate and environmental demands, but will also enhance the curb appeal and value of your property.

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As you can see, loam soil offers many advantages — lightweight and a great combination of macronutrients. While it’s often used in landscaping, gardens, parks, and more, loam is ideal for both large commercial projects and small gardens alike.

The right type of soil can make all the difference. At Prime Cut Landscape Management, we understand the value of good soil for our Maine customers and have years of expertise helping you find the best loam soil solution for your projects. From selecting the best soil to installation advice and planning, our expert team will ensure your yard project is taken care of. 

For help in the greater Buxton, Maine area with your landscaping needs, contact us at Prime Cut Landscaping & Lawn Care today!