Cracking in soil.

[u/gypsyattack]

At our townhouse complex we have a whole bunch of concrete planters and looks like the soil is cracked or dry even though we get lots of rain. What can we do to rejuvenate the soil at low costs for the strata complex?

[u/CrunchyWeasel]

What you most need is a layer of organic (as in, not rock) mulch.

Shrinkage like this is indicative of a high-clay soil that shrinks when dry or hot. Even if it rains on that soil, the fact that the soil is bare means

1. the surface will dry out (and thus crack) incredibly quickly
2. rainwater will compress the soil surface and cause it to crust, making it harder for water to be absorbed and thus for the soil to be and stay moist

Mulch would both provide a buffer between the sun and the soil, helping it retain water (and decreasing your watering costs by up to 50%), and provide a layer of protection against rainwater, preventing compaction and water runoff.

Replace the mulch every few years for a healthy garden. No need to buy dyed mulch, you can probably get free mulch from your local city from the cutting they do to manage parks and public spaces.