Question
Hello,
We recently bought a house in Northern Nevada, and the soil in our backyard will not absorb water! The water will soak down about 3 inches,turning the top of the soil to mud, but beneath that it remains very dry and sandy. We planted grass in various areas when we moved in, but it will only grow about an inch. Any advice would be appreciated.  

Answer
Hi Tina,  Here's what I'd do...contact a bulk supplier of soils and mulch.  They should have leafmold, fine pine bark or a soil mix that contains the above.  Spread about 3" over the entire area and till it 10-12" deep.  Then sow annual ryegrass on it at 1 lb. per 100 square feet.
Have your soil tested.  I'm mostly interested in the pH but it's nice to know what primary nutrients you may deficient in.  Adjust the pH to 6.5 and fertilizer based on your test.  In 6 weeks, till it again and sow annual ryegrass again. When it's time to sow your permanent grass type, till it one last time and sow your seed or sod.
We're trying to develop a loose, uniform soil mix about 12" deep.  You'll have to carefully monitor the water demands of the grass.  Water thoroughly, but infrequently.
Jim