sand, coir, perlite
The water being used will
have a big influence on soil
conditions. Where municipal
or tap water is high in total
dissolved solids (TDS) these
“salts” will, over time, build
up in the soil and on the roots
causing decline in root func-
tion and ultimately malnutri-
tion and even drought issues.
Find out what the TDS is of the
water being used so you can
remediate the resulting prob-
lems accordingly. Depending
on just how high the dissolved
solids are, soil leaching may
be required as often as once
each year. Leaching will help
push away these salts from
the plant. For this reason,
softened water is not recom-
mended. Salt-softened water
is very high in sodium. Using
water softened by potassium
replaces calcium and magne-
sium with potassium. All three
of these nutrients are required
by plants in the right propor-
tions, and using potassi-
um-softened water, though less
damaging to plants than salt
softened, will still disrupt the
proper balance of these nutri-
ents which is likely to create
plant stress issues.
Creating Healthy
Root Systems
To grow and take up
nutrients there are several
soil conditions that are vital
for success. Each of these
conditions requires balance.
An extreme in any of them
will inevitable lead to abiotic
stress and ultimately to
disease and decline.
• Balance in soil composi-
tion, where it is not too
sandy or too saturated
with clay, is vital.
“Materials like sand,
compost, coir,
peat moss, perlite,
or vermiculite
are among the
amendments
available for
changing and
improving the
soil condition.”
• Balance in soil moisture is
also critical. Soggy or dry
soils each create their own
set of problems.
• Balance in soil nutrient
concentration, where
required levels of macro
and micronutrients are
available and toxic levels
of these are avoided,
is a must.
With each of these areas
maintained, it is possible
to create a living soil filled
with beneficial microbial
life that works in synergy
with the plant to boost
health, vitality, and growth.
There are many other
vital aspects to consider
when growing in poor soil:
soil chemistry, climate
(rainy, dry, hot, cold, or
windy), understanding and
installing proper irrigation,
and using plants capable
of handling these growing
conditions. If you have been
having trouble keeping your
landscape or outside garden
healthy, you should know
you have lots of company.
+
For additional
information on
Growing in Tough
Soils and to review the
reference information
for this article, scan
the QR code.
Maximum Yield
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