How to improve soil water infiltration
- Increasing the amount of organic matter in the soil will improve water infiltration regardless of soil texture type, so add a 5cm deep layer of good compost or well-rotted manure to the soil every year.
- Mulch regularly if possible using natural mulch such as grass clippings; man-made mulch, such as sheets of cardboard; or living mulch like clover under fruit trees. Mulch is best applied in spring when the soil is damp.
- Water the soil regularly in dry weather with a hose or bucket.
- Improve your soil by double digging.
- Consider raised beds. These will allow you greater control over the type of soil in the beds and are ideal for improving drainage but on a dry, windy site they will dry out very quickly.
