Re: CULT: Soil conditioners

--- In iris-talk@y..., oneofcultivars@a... wrote:
> In a message dated 8/24/2002 9:39:10 AM Central Daylight Time, 
> donald@e... writes: (quoting Neil Mogensen) 
> 
> > Manure is good, but cow manure on clay soils can create serious
> > >problems.
> > >Sheep and horse manure is better,

Donald asked: 
> > Again, why?

To which Bill Burleson 7a/b Old South Iris Society adds considerable 
useful and accurate information....


Neil responds:

I will agree whole heartedly with most of what Bill has said.  My 
original comment somewhat negative about cow manure was based on 
experience, both of mine and several mentors many years ago.  In clay 
soils with an alkaline origin (as in the Intermountain West), it was 
noted that cow manure applied generously often resulted in varying 
degrees of chlorosis--yellowing of foliage, usually in a distinctive 
pattern.  The deficiencies responsible were partly due to shortage of 
phosphate, partly shortages or problems with heavy metal 
micronutrients.  The cow manure seemed to influence how much 
adsorption there was to the clay platelets of MN and one or more FE 
ions if I remember correctly.  The soils so affected were enormously 
helped by copious additions of Gypsum or other sources of Sulfate 
radicals--which would react with the native lime to form Gypsum and 
help free up the adsorbed ions.

Acid clays are also sometimes helped greatly with the addition of 
Gypsum, fluffing up ("flocculating") the clay platelets.  As has been 
noted in Iris Talk in the past several months, not all clay soils are 
the same.  It depends on the origin of the clay, its type and its 
chemistry.  The way to find out if Gypsum, manure of whatever type or 
lime help a soil is TRY IT.  Selectively, and keep notes!  Then go 
with what works.

Mechanically fluffing up the soil is of merit also, I have found, 
i.e., hoe, shovel, spading fork liberally applied.  Let some air in 
to the soil profile.

Neil Mogensen  z 6b/7a Arden, near Asheville, Hendersonville NC in 
orange to red highly acid clays, formerly growing iris in the 
Intermountain West high lime areas in alkaline, irrigated soils.  I 
just wish I could have the best of both!


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