ABSTRACT
High compaction resistance and higher water infiltration achieved mostly with mineral soil conditioners usually are coupled with low water holding capacity. Cation-exchange capacity of the soil can be improved with use of certain soil conditioners such as organics, zeolites, pozzolan, or clay. Rather than importing topsoil, the existing soil usually can be improved sufficiently with simultaneous use of multiple soil conditioners including water-soluble polymers. Organic soil conditioners can help manage some plant diseases. Soil conditioners are extremely important in landscape work because of the high value of the projects and because soils at construction sites often have harsh characteristics. Nontillage is popular on farms but has little or no place in starting landscaping because of the need for incorporation of soil conditioners and the danger of compaction due to heavy usage of the land.
