If you’re grappling with clay or compacted soil, hydrogen peroxide offers a promising solution. To improve such soil, mix a solution of hydrogen peroxide with water in a ratio of 1:3. Then, apply this mixture to the problematic soil areas. Compacted soil is a common issue, especially in high-traffic areas of the garden or where heavy machinery is used. It’s characterized by densely packed soil particles, which significantly reduce the soil’s ability to absorb air and water. This lack of aeration in the soil can severely limit root growth and nutrient uptake, leading to stunted plant development. So, why does hydrogen peroxide work in such scenarios? The answer lies in the extra oxygen, which is released when hydrogen peroxide comes into the mix. It can significantly improve clayey or compacted soils, which are often oxygen-deficient. This effect was highlighted in a 2016 study published in the journal Rhizosphere, emphasizing the challenges posed by poorly drained, clayey soils due to their oxygen deficiency.
Further supporting this, a 2009 study in the Chilean Journal of Agricultural Research demonstrated that when you put hydrogen peroxide into the soil, the above-ground parts of plants — like leaves and stems — tend to grow more. This happens because hydrogen peroxide makes the soil better, helping the roots of the plants grow stronger and take up nutrients more efficiently. Essentially, adding hydrogen peroxide is like giving the plants a growth boost by improving the environment they’re growing in.
