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Re: Rototilling - What is the alternative

These are good points by Claude. In my book WEEDLESS GARDENING, although I rail against tilling, I do concede a few
situations where a one-time, thorough digging may be necessary: sticky, sticky clay; hardpan; pH way out of whack; and where
ditches, tile, or raised beds or mounds are needed to correct a water problem.

Lee Reich, PhD

claude sweet wrote:

> I would like to introduce another perspective into the discussion.
>
> There are various methods that may be used to substitute for physically
> incorporating materials into a soil profile - tilling, plowing, double
> digging, rototilling, etc.
>
> Substitutes for such physical methods (non-tilling) include herbicides,
> organic and inorganic mulching regimes, etc.
>
> A physical intervention is necessary to correct the problems associated
> with soils such as 1.)  a subsoil that remains after contractors scrape
> off the top soil, 2.)  heavy clay or very sandy soils, and 3.) compacted
> soils that present drainage problems.. Solutions may include one or more
> modifications such as raised beds, trenching to install drainage fields,
> and the addition of organic materials to modify the structure/texture of
> the top 24 (or less) inches of the soil profile.
>
> Soils with chemical problems such as pH or excessive amounts of sodium
> add to the problems of providing a favorable environment for root growth.
>
> The problems are complex and a "one solution fits all" approach is very
> simplistic. Plant health is the best defense against diseases and pests.
> It should start with insuring a plant will grow and thrive throughout
> its lifetime. Putting a $10 tree into a $100 hole will help to insure a
> deep rooted tree that will withstand storms and droughts.
>
> An approach that will allow various non-tillage solutions assumes that
> the existing soil structure will support positive plant growth. The
> measurement of success varies according to the commercial or home
> gardening evaluation standards.
>
> What is practical on a small scale using hand labor may fail to be
> economically viable on a large commercial scale. A gardener may derive
> pleasure and satisfaction by walking among the plants daily and hand
> pulling or hoeing weeds; however, on a farmer generally fines this
> solution is almost impossible to accomplish and hiring additional
> skilled help is uneconomical unless the value of the crop is extremely
> valuable.
>
> Claude Sweet
> San Diego, CA
>
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