Re: Cult: Soil Question
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: Cult: Soil Question
- From: R* T* D* <r*@sierratel.com>
- Date: Tue, 13 Jan 1998 13:57:12 -0700 (MST)
Steven & Sharlyn Rocha wrote:
>
> My question is, "Is the soil missing something that is depleted and
> has not been replaced?" Or, "Is something built up within the soil
> (example salt) that is preventing vigorous performance?" How can one > know what the problem might be?
> Sharlyn
The answer to the above, IMO, is both. Iris are heavy feeders and will
typically deplete the soil of nutrients in a couple of years. With the
depletion of nutrients organisims and fungus will build up and find
nothing to feed on except the iris. Iris will become stunted or fall
prey to disease.
My solution to this, as some of you already know, is to incorporate
organic material into the soil and solarize. This works! Other
solutions are to rotate your beds after every two years. The use of
Vapam or Methol Bromide will also work if your chemically minded. There
is talk of Methol Bromide being taken off the market in 2001 as it has
been proven to be an ozone depletor.
Rick Tasco
Superstition Iris Gardens
Central California
Zone 8
