permaculture

["Edward" <edward@iinet.net.au>]

Hi David!

 

We have a similar challenge here in the coastal sands of Western Australia; very alkaline.

 

Whole tree mulch (fresh or composted) of virtually any kind will gradually enable the iron in the organic materials to become available to the plants. Apply very thickly around the trees (at least 10cm but away from the trunks) and reapply as often as it soaks in.

To this add heaps of seaweed if you can get it (under the mulch is good).

Both will gradually reduce the alkalinity, but more importantly, will increase the soil microbe activity and the ability of the roots to access iron and other nutrients through the mycorrhizal associations with the root hairs of the trees.

Growing a mulch of leguminous shrubs around the trees and mowing/slashing it in situ might be a possibility?

Even herbs & grasses around the trees would produce material to cut back into the soil.

 

All the best

 

Edward Brown

edward@iinet.net.au

 

-----Original Message-----
From: permaculture-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:permaculture-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of David Orgain
Sent: Wednesday, 15 October 2003 8:57 PM
To: permaculture@lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: [permaculture] Long term sources of available Iron...

 

Hi,

  I have a calcareous soil substrate here in the Bahamas (pH 8.1) and have an iron deficiency in many of my plants. I do have an organic micronutrient spray, but applications have to happen every two weeks. Plants have been responding well to this, but I would like to think up some alternatives. Does anyone know of any long term solutions to making iron available to plants other than applying chelated iron?

 

Also, wondering if folks have heard of wood ashes lowering pH?

 

Thanks, David

 

David Orgain

The Island School, Bahamas

242-359-7625

www.islandschool.org

 

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