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nafex - [NAFEX] Softening clay soil

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  • From: "Jim Fruth" <jfruth@tds.net>
  • To: "NAFEX" <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [NAFEX] Softening clay soil
  • Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2007 08:18:15 -0500

John asked, " I have read that gypsum loosens clay soils by binding the very small clay particles into larger aggrigates, thus loosening the soil. Also adding lots of long term organics such as pine bark are supposed to help as well.

However, to clarify your post, are you suggesting using gypsom to loosen the soil AND then add lime to balance it? Or is this a "one or the other" solution?"

John,
You missed one point of my post. The farmer added too much gypsum, actually, too much over too many years, which acidified his soil. The amount of gypsum needed to loosen soil doesn't contribute much to acidify soil but adding alot of it over many years causes a pH drop. As for raising pH, there are other chemicals that would do but lime is the least expensive.

Jim Fruth
Brambleberry Farm
Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
For jams, jellies & syrups:
www.bberryfarm.com
(877)265-6856 [Store]
(218)831-7018 [My Cell]




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