Re: Addition of sand to improve soil
jpritchard@mindspring.com wrote:
> Pumpkinguy-
>
> It is true that on a small scale you can change the soil structure to
> whatever type most benefits the crop you are trying to produce. Greenhouses
> and golf courses do it all the time. The problem with recommending addition
> of sand is the guesswork involved. Your recommendation, that it "might
> take 2-3 inches of sand to tiller depth", is just a guess.
>
> There is more to soil blending than guessing. It is possible that by
> guessing you can wind up with 70-80% clay with 20-30% sand. This is the
> worst blend possible. On the soil textural triangle this would be a silt to
> silt loam, but it would be worse than the clay as far as drainage.
bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb
John,
perhaps you can help me with my problem. I have added organic matter of
copious amounts and still get anaerobic conditions . This year I added some
lava rock(pea gravel) of various size to aid in the aeration of the ground and
help with drainage. I would imagine that no two soils(from diff states) could
be the same because of the different environments and climates(soil temps) let
alone mineral make -up. I can understand how the grower of the giants would
like to progress towards a loam or sandy loam . I don't think you can change
a soil in a season!!!..... I would imagine that plants of all types do best in
the soil of their preference. And I guess thats the whole idea! So were
trying to determine what is best soil for the AGs. Most growers water the hek
out of there plants....the copius amounts of OM retain water and so does the
clay. This I think leads to root rot. Perhaps the simple answer is water
less. But then theres cooling involved. So I don't think theres a solution
that fits all-- which makes it tough. I am so glad that you are here and can
add to the book knowledge. One of the most comon belief of Ag.growers is loose
ground.
Do you think that the soil sturucture is harmed by the excessive tilling
(density) When exchange sites are established and the banding has occured do we
mess that up by tilling too much??
How does gypsum loosen clay??
And if you have a heavy Om soil will sand help??
---------------------------------------------------------------------
To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@mallorn.com with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE PUMPKINS
