LOAM

a soil mixture of sand and clay; the preponderance of one or the other makes the L. light or heavy in texture. Heavy Ls. need to be well manured with stable manure to improve the texture, and lime is nece ary at intervals to make the fertilizing elements available for plants. Light Ls. are easily worked and need no draining, the manuring is done especially with the object of keeping them moist and cool. L, forms the principal part of the compost used for pot plants, the best is an equal mixture of sand and clay with an abundance of fibre, and is usually the top 3 or 4 in. from old pasture land. All loamy soils are well suited for farming and general gardening, those with sand preponderating are best for early crops. Clay Ls. are better for late crops.