Clay soils create unique problems, one of which is erosion. These types of soils are easily eroded even in low slope lands. This is because water does not pass through the Clay layer quickly, which can lead to surface erosion. Spring erosion is often more severe after plowing fields. But clay soils often require this plowing to prevent the soil from being too wet.

Farmers on clay soils probably need less potassium than is usually recommended. This is because clay soils are inherently rich in potassium. This is especially true where the clay layer is closer to the soil surface. On the other hand, it seems that these areas with shallow clay require more phosphorus than deep soils. Because phosphorus sticks to the acidic layer of clay.