[CH] soil moisture
byron bromley (byron.bromley@gsd-co.com)
Sun, 13 May 2001 09:32:43 -0400
Sandy the Baker and diaper thing is about 5 or 6 years old.
There was a study showing that one of the problems with these crystals is
that if the crystals get dry they try to remove moisture from the plants..
Years ago, Baker had a better method, In the bottom of your plant hole add
a 6" layer of corn cobs..
Here is a term not in the Monsanto glossary. Tilth..
Tilth is nothing more than working organic materials into the soil, the
deeper the better..
Tilth prevents wind erosion, water erosion, reduces flooding, holds moisture
in the soil longer and reduces irrigation requirements. Also provides root
aeration. In addition compost and composted manure can provide 12 out of
the 16 nutrients needed for plant growth,
Further reading will require some digging. There are some books by Gertrude
Jekyl, circa 1885 to about 1925, She was a highly acclaimed Brit gardener..
University studies are renewing interest in soil tilth.
L.B.