Re: Water quality
- To: perennials@mallorn.com
- Subject: Re: Water quality
- From: L*@aol.com
- Date: Tue, 17 Aug 1999 14:44:24 EDT
In a message dated 99-08-15 12:01:49 EDT, Avril wrote:
>> Is the rain v. ground/tap water difference connected with acid/alkaline
contrast?<<
Yes, there's a connection. As it effects our gardens, I think that might be
the major difference. We should remember that pH has a lot to do with
nutrient availability.
Plants absorb nutrients through the soil water. More nutrients are going to
be available in the neutral pH of rainwater, while in the high pH of tap
water certain nutrients will be bound up.
In the St. Louis area where I live our water is very alkaline (pH 11) due to
our limestone substrate of Karst topography. Here at the confluence of the
mighty Mississippi and the Missouri Rivers we have plenty of water but our
gardens aren't looking so good right now.
In addition to pH differences, I also think Paul was correct in pointing out
that
rain water is soft, while tap and well water contain minerals that bind up
nitrogen and other free ions.
I have always thought that what Barb said was a factor, too. In addition to
the benefits of cloudy days, Barb said:
>>> Maybe it is just that rain falls everywhere, lawn, trees, and garden and
>penetrates deeper; the water put on just the garden dissipates, evaporates
faster >and gets sucked up by the thirsty far reaching tree roots<<<
I think you're on to something, Barb! --Janis
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