Pecan Trees in clay soils - what can I add to improve soil content?
General Johannesburg, South Africa
I want to plant some Pecan trees but I'm not sure how they will grow in our dark clay soil. The area is well suited in terms of temperature. I want to grow them using organic methods.
Posted
by: Cornelis
(2 points)
Posted: April 11, 2013
Answers
use gypsum to help with the soil. It will loosen up compacted soil and you can't use too much. Zinc is the number 1 nutrient that a mature pecan needs.Use in spring for nut production in the fall and to help them fill out. Use zinc again in the fall for next spring's flowering wood. Always use LOTS of water during the water stage of a pecan--June JUly and August.
Posted
by: cindy pegues
(4 points)
Posted: April 12, 2013
I would till in some sand or something similar to really decrease the water retention. Ideally, pecans thrive in sandy loam that has moderate moisture retention. They can also grow in heavier soils (ex: clay loam) if they are very tell drained. I am in a very sandy area and our pecan trees and huge and produce more than we know what to do with. I'd say break up the earth like the other posts said and till in some sand.
Posted
by: Kathryn Fiedler
(72 points)
Posted: April 12, 2013
you could always grow a season of cover crops like red clover or alfalfa. Let them grow all season long and their roots will help break up the clay, and at the end of the season, chop cover crops and leave them on top as a mulch.
Posted
by: Bradley Cahill
(1 point)
Posted: April 11, 2013
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