Avoid using water softeners on salty soil.
Often, desert regions have salty soil because of the high concentration of sodium in water.These regions tend to have a clay soil make-up, which prevents salts from easily passing though, thus contributing to the high concentration of salts. This results in dehydration in plants. Symptoms of plant dehydration include wilting, discoloration and defoliation. To help plants produce healthy growth, gardeners must lower the salt in their desert soil. Altering fertilizing practices prevents additional health problems for plants.
Instructions
1. Cut the bottom of two coffee cans, using a can opener. Secure window screen at the bottom of each can using tape. Pour one pint of soil into each of the coffee cans. Mix in 1 tablespoon of gypsum into the soil mixture of one can. Place both cans over large cups. Add enough water to fill each can. Wait for the water to drain. If more than twice the amount of water drains from the coffee can containing gypsum, your desert soil has excess sodium.
2. Pour granule gypsum into a drop spreader. Use 40 pounds of gypsum per 1,000 square feet to distribute over the lawn. Push the drop spreader back and forth across the lawn. Apply 1 inch of water to help the gypsum sink into the soil.
3. Pour granule gypsum into a drop spreader to apply on ornamental beds before planting. Use 20 to 30 pounds of gypsum per 1,000 square feet.
4. Work the granule gypsum into the first 6 inches of topsoil of the ornamental beds. Apply 1 inch of water to the area to help the gypsum sink into the soil.
5. Spread a thin layer of granule gypsum around existing ornamental plants. Water slowly for an hour to help the gypsum sink deep into the soil around each plant's root system.
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