Clay Soil Observations
http://www.durgan.org/URL/?FOHEI 6 September 2009 Clay soil Observations.
The garden bed is composed of good clay soil. To make the clay more useful for my requirement, it has been modified utilizing much compost over the last five years.Compost alone as a clay modifier still allows the soil to coagulate or lump. The addition of sand to the clay/compost appears to reduce the lumping problem. The thrust of my note is to suggest that compost alone is insufficient to adequately condition clay. Picture of the soils are presented to substantiate my views on the matter.
It should be noted that the clay alone or with compost is still an excellent growing medium. The area is relatively small so modifying is practicable and feasible.
Initially sand, screenings, peat moss each alone was tried as a mixing agent for making the clay more friable. These efforts were all failures. I am of the opinion that compost in large quantities is best for breaking up clay, then to make the mixture more friable sand should be added. It appears to be working well in my garden. My growing area is about 2000 square feet or 186 square meters.
posted by Durgan @ 9:48 AM
2 Comments
2 Comments:
Hello;
I had come across a question on a different site that you had commented on in regards to planting trees/shrubs in clay soils.
I have a red maple and it was spaded into my front yard which is packed clay... my tree is now rapidly declining as I had suspected it would.
I know that the drainage is pretty much non existant, but I was wondering if you had any advice on what I should do or could do to maybe save/help my tree.
Thanks!
I am not an expert on planting trees. The method I use is not highly recommended by the pundits, but the few trees that I planted thrived.
I remove the sod about the size of the tree crown. I dig down about six inches more than the height of the root ball.I put outside made soil of compost/sand and some of the removed soil in the bottom of the hole. The bottom of the hole is heavily watered, and allowed to soak into the surrounding soil. Then place the tree in place and surround with the made soil. The top of the rootball should be level with the ground. I backfill, if there is not enough made soil, with the soil removed, after working it up with a rototiller so all lumps are reduced. The dug area is lightly packed, and heavily mulched with wood chips. The tree is then supported with a two stakes to prevent wind movement, being careful to use a stocking or large surface so as to not damage the bark of the planted tree. It is a lot of work to plant a tree.
This may not answer your question, since I think you want to save a previously planted tree. This is beyond my knowledge. You may have to purchase a new tree, and have another go.
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