Soil Structure

[Smallaxe]

How much do you consider establishing and maintaining good soil structure when doing fall renovations?

http://www.hcs.ohio-state.edu/mg/manual/soil2.htm

* "...A well-structured soil is made up of aggregates of varying sizes that allow maximum space for air and water (ideally about 20 to 25% for each by volume). These aggregates form as a result of physical forces: freezing and thawing cycles, wetting and drying cycles. Organic matter promotes stabilization of the aggregate particles. Decaying organic matter acts like a glue to hold soil particles together, much like flour moistened and used as paste. ..." *

[Smallaxe]

Here it gives clues about what may happen over winter.

http://www.allacademic.com/meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/2/3/5/2/3/p235237_index.html
* "The Visual Soil Structural Assessment (VSSA) is a rapid, comprehensive visual tool in gauging the overall health and productivity of the soil, especially for the non scientist. ..."

"...We concluded that VSSA is a reliable detector of soil of poor soil health and compaction. Soil with the two organic matter treatments showed substantial improvements over the winter, while the control plot had a drastic deterioration in soil quality." *