Soil types used in The Compleat Botanica

The twelve soil textures used in The Compleat Botanica are recognized descriptions which have measurable characteristics. These names are defined in the Bienz Soil Chart published by the United States Department of Agriculture and included in �Horticulture Gardener�s Desk Reference�, Anne Moyer Halpin, MacMillan, New York NY USA, 1966.

Many other soil descriptions are commonly used. Such terms as serpentine, humus-rich, well-drained, or rocky may be what you�re more familiar with. These customizations can easily be added to the soil texture category.

The soil pH descriptions of strongly acidic, moderately acidic, slightly acidic, neutral, slightly alkaline, moderately alkaline, and strongly alkaline, are vernacular terms appearing frequently in horticulture and garden books.