1
point
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) Cornelis
Posted: April 11, 2013




Answers

2
points
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) cindy pegues
Posted: April 12, 2013




2
points
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) Kathryn Fiedler
Posted: April 12, 2013




1
point
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) Bradley Cahill
Posted: April 11, 2013


Wurgulf commented,
you could "chop and drop" that for a number of years I imagine as the trees start to get established.
over 11 years ago.

Cornelis commented,
Great idea, thanks
over 11 years ago.



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