High Alkaline Soil - Is peat moss a good solution?
PlantVillage Saudi Arabia
Hi all. I tested my soil using a home kit soil tester and it showed that my soil is pretty alkaline (8 or more). Although I'm not sure how trustworthy the tester is, but it's possible since I live in Saudi Arabia and we rarely get rain. So my question is how should I increase my soil's acidity? I read that sulfur and peat moss are two ways of going about it. Since I couldn't find the appropriate sulfur here, I mixed some peat moss inside and around the soil of my plants (banana, mango, citrus trees, etc). Am I doing the right thing here? Or am I running a risk of excessive moisture for my plants?
Posted
by: Abdullah
(1 point)
Posted: April 10, 2017
Answers
Peat moss is not only helps in amending the alkaline soil, but it holds a significant quantity of water and supply to the plant's roots when required. So water the plants only when it is necessary.
http://extension.psu.edu/publications...
http://extension.psu.edu/publications...
Peat moss uses
Posted
by: Dr. Ravishankar Narayana
(15 points)
Posted: April 10, 2017
Abdullah commented,
Peat moss does retain moisture. I noticed that when I used my moisture meter even after 3 days of scorching sun, it still showed "wet". Should I ignore the meter and go ahead and water my banana and mango, for example every 3 days, regardless of what the moisture meter says? I'm just afraid of root rot with peat moss. Thank you so much. about 7 years ago.
Peat moss does retain moisture. I noticed that when I used my moisture meter even after 3 days of scorching sun, it still showed "wet". Should I ignore the meter and go ahead and water my banana and mango, for example every 3 days, regardless of what the moisture meter says? I'm just afraid of root rot with peat moss. Thank you so much. about 7 years ago.
Dr. Ravishankar Narayana commented,
It is better to water the plants according to moisture meter readings (i.e., water only when meters show low moisture). If you water too frequently (every three days) may cause root rot like as you suggested. about 7 years ago.
It is better to water the plants according to moisture meter readings (i.e., water only when meters show low moisture). If you water too frequently (every three days) may cause root rot like as you suggested. about 7 years ago.
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