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From: jeff@rtech
Newsgroups: net.garden
Subject: Re: Clay content in soil
Message-ID: <234@rtech>
Date: Fri, 25-Apr-86 02:01:00 EDT
Article-I.D.: rtech.234
Posted: Fri Apr 25 02:01:00 1986
Date-Received: Wed, 14-May-86 06:22:08 EDT
References: <352@ihu1n>
Lines: 19

> 
> I am currently investigating alternatives for loosening clay soil for
> both garden and lawn. The information I have obtained indicates that
> Gypsum will loosen clay soil through electrochemical action. The disadvantage
> is that gypsum does not permanently loosen clay soil. Gypsum keeps the soil
> conditioned for as long as there is enough soluble calcium. One thought
> was to use gypsum along with organic matter. Sand has also been used with
> some success. My question is what is the best alternative besides new dirt.
> For the garden it is somewhat easier because it can be dug up and additives 
> added, but for the lawn is is not an alternative that can be taken lightly.

My experience has been that organic matter works best.  Lots of it.  A heavy
clay soil can easily absorb its own volume in compost.
-- 
Jeff Lichtman at rtech (Relational Technology, Inc.)
"Saints should always be judged guilty until they are proved innocent..."

{amdahl, sun}!rtech!jeff
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