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Improving chalky clay soil options

FlinsterFlinster Posts: 883
in Problem solving
Morning! Just wondered on your thoughts of using a mix of A: composted bark, manure, leaf mould, or B: composted manure, grit and leaf mould, to improve awful chalky clay soil. I've already added a large amount of mushroom compost. I've never used composted bark before so not sure if it's any good in this application. Your insight would be much appreciated! thank you.

Posts

  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    I would go with option B for now. I think composted bark would be a jump for clay soils. The texture needs to be reasonably good to use composted bark, in my opinion.
  • FlinsterFlinster Posts: 883
    Thanks Borderline! 
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Never heard of chalky clay soil, we have clay, the other side of the main road they have dry,chalky,flinty soil.Both have thir problems, everything but the composted bark I would say.
  • FlinsterFlinster Posts: 883
    It’s basically very hard with lumps of chalk and lots of flint, but also has a thin layer of clay- like a swamp in winter and a brick in summer... I’ve never dig soil like it! The only bonus is that it makes it ever so slightly less alkaline but only just at about 6.8-7.
  • josusa47josusa47 Posts: 3,530
    Did you know mushroom compost has chalk in it?
  • FlinsterFlinster Posts: 883
    I did thanks, but it does help to break down the sticky clay layer and add ‘matter’ and as I was adding so much manure it sort of evens out.
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