HOW YOUR TYPES OF SOIL CAN AFFECT YOUR SNAILS
HOW YOUR TYPE OF SOIL CAN AFFECT YOUR SNAIL. Soil is a major part of a snail's habitat. Soil composition, water content and texture are important factors to consider in site selection. The snail's shell is made up mainly of calcium derived from the soil and from feed. Snails derive most of their water requirements from the soil. Snails dig in the soil to lay their eggs and to rest during the dry season. For all these reasons it is essential that the soil is loose and that its calcium and water content is high. Heavy, clayey soil that becomes waterlogged in the rainy season and compacts during the dry season is undesirable. Very sandy soil is undesirable as well because of its low water-holding capacity. Acidic soils should be avoided because acidity would interfere with the development of the snail’s shell. Soils that are too acidic might be neutralized with lime to about pH 7. Soils with high organic matter support the growth and development of snails. In general...