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Austin MN

So I know the first step is doing a soil and tissue test. I have one being sent in right now. But I wanted to ask what would you do if your soil had a lot of clay in it and compacts easy? This year I added a lot of compost from my local town site I got for free. unfortunately it wasn't finished and took a lot of nitrogen from my soil causing my plants to get stunted. I have around 14,000+ bushels of aged horse poo that I am going to add.
what else should I do to help get my soil good and soft?

9/13/2014 3:04:33 PM

Karns City PA

I think gypsum would help break down your clay issue I had the same problem this year....

9/13/2014 3:33:01 PM

Central NY

Poop and leaves is a good start...

9/13/2014 3:34:54 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

Poo leaves and gypsum is good advice. But that is a lot of poo. It will cover over 17,000 square feet a foot deep. Must be a big patch.

9/13/2014 4:07:03 PM

Austin MN

I'm gonna cover a 60 x 90 patch its needs a lot!!

9/13/2014 5:01:34 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

14,000 bushels will cover it 3.2' deep

9/13/2014 5:54:14 PM

Colorado

You might put drainage pipe or tile in. Grade it so it drains well. Let me grow a couple plants on the end when I retire=please.

9/13/2014 6:42:37 PM

Omaha, Ne.

Sand and compost.

9/13/2014 10:25:37 PM

East Jordan, MI

Our soil is heavy and compacts easily, sticks to your shoes and makes you 6 inches taller in about 4 steps.

what is working for us.
In spring add 80 lbs of gypsum every year per 1000 sq ft
In spring add 2-3 yards of compost every year per 1000 sq ft (more is not necessarily better -- you can get disease easily)
In fall add a couple inches of finely chopped leaves
grow cover crops in off seasons (we let ours rest with just a cover for 2 years between pumpkins)
NEVER EVER EVER Till when wet
Walk on walk boards
If you have water problems dig a ditch to direct heavy rain away from the patch

9/14/2014 8:18:30 AM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

If you add sand, you need to add a LOT or you will just create bricks. The drainage is very important in your area. Your soils are all underlain with glacial till, which is so dense that water won't soak through (same landform as about 1/3 of my county) Gypsum and organic matter are good for clay.

9/14/2014 10:54:11 AM