Soil Amelioration
Improve Soil Health with Hydro water injection
Are your trees or shrubs struggling to thrive? One common cause is compacted soil, which restricts root growth and prevents plants and trees from accessing essential nutrients and water. Traditionally, air spade has been used to loosen compacted soil, but at Rootcontrollers & Hydrox Australia, we also offer a more efficient, plant-friendly alternative via hydro amelioration. This innovative technique uses high-pressure water to break up compacted soil while also deep watering to improve structure and ensuring healthier tree growth.
Read on to learn more about soil compaction and how our hydro excavation experts can help restore soil health across Melbourne.
Understanding Soil Compaction
Soil compaction occurs when air pockets (macro and micropores) in the soil are compressed, reducing water infiltration, drainage, and oxygen circulation. This makes it difficult for tree and plant roots to penetrate the soil, limiting their ability to access vital nutrients. Over time, compacted soil can lead to stunted growth, weak trees, and poor plant health.
The Process of Compacted Soil Restoration
Soil decompaction can be achieved using:
- An air spade, which uses compressed air to loosen the soil.
- Hydro amelioration, which applies a high-pressure water jet to break up compacted soil without causing damage to surrounding structures or tree roots.
At Rootcontrollers Australia, we specialise in hydro amelioration as a more precise and effective method of soil decompaction, allowing oxygen and water to circulate freely through the soil. This creates an environment where trees and plants can thrive and establish strong root systems.
What is a Water Percolation Test?
A water percolation test (perc test) measures how well soil absorbs water. This helps determine whether soil is compacted and requires intervention. The test involves:
- Digging one or more holes in the soil
- Filling them with water
- Measuring how quickly the water drains
If the absorption rate is slow, the soil may be compacted, indicating a need for hydro amelioration.
Understanding Macro and Micropores in Soil
Soil structure consists of macropores and micropores, which allow water and air to circulate:
- Macropores (larger than 0.08mm) help with water drainage and soil aeration.
- Micropores (smaller than 0.08mm) retain water, ensuring plants receive moisture when needed.
When soil becomes compacted, both macro and micropores are affected, leading to poor water retention, reduced oxygen flow, and restricted root growth. Hydro amelioration restores the balance by opening these vital pores and improving soil structure.
Why Choose Hydro Amelioration Over an Air Spade?
While many arborists use an air spade to decompact soil, we believe that hydro amelioration is the superior solution. Here’s why:
- Greater Precision – Hydro amelioration can decompact soil up to 1000mm deep using a controlled water stream.
- Less Destructive – Unlike air spades, hydro amelioration doesn’t require trenching, air knives, or heavy equipment, reducing disruption.
- Safer for sites with contaminated soils – This method avoids spreading airborne soil particles, preventing further spread of soil contamination.
- Better for Trees – Hydro amelioration allows trees to retain more moisture and nutrients, promoting stronger root growth and overall health.
- Environmentally Friendly – Using water instead of compressed air prevents excessive soil disturbance and preserves natural soil microbiology.
Expert Soil Amelioration Services in Melbourne
With over 25 years of experience, Rootcontrollers Australia is Melbourne’s trusted provider of soil decompaction services. We take pride in offering a fast, efficient, and environmentally responsible solution to compacted soil restoration. Whether you’re a homeowner, business, or government agency, we tailor our services to meet your needs.
Contact Our Hydro Amelioration Experts Today
If your trees and plants aren’t thriving due to compacted soil, let Rootcontrollers Australia restore their health with our advanced Soil Amelioration Services.
📞 Call us today on 1300 348 068 to book a consultation. 📧 Email us at info@hydrox.com.au for more information or a quote.
Let us help your trees and plants flourish with healthier soil!
