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clay soil
Jane297
Posts: 2
I have just found large dry white areas just under the surface of my garden soil which is clay, do you know what this is and is it going to cause problems?
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It is probably an accumulation of mineral salts similar to what occurs in china clay and yes it will be a problem especially in dry weather. I think you may have bite the bullet and dig as much as possible out, then replace with compost plus other anti-clay measures. As the problem could be widespread in your garden it might be worth while sending a sample for soil analysis and asking for expert advice. RHS publishes a list of plants that do well in clay soil. Good luck.
Last edited: 16 October 2016 23:05:21
Or it could be areas of mycelium. Does it smell mushroomy?
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Do you have a photo?
Yes fungus is a possibility, but it's easy to tell the difference. Fungus mycelium ( 'root') is stringy in appearance and when rubbed between the fingers will go mushy. If it remains dry and dust-like it is minerals. Also it is unusual for fungus to cover very large areas. It tends to form in discrete patches. You will also probably have noticed the fungi above ground around about this time of year.
Yet another possibility is cement from old buildings!!
Yes fungus is a possibility, but it's easy to tell the difference. Fungus mycelium ( 'root') is stringy in appearance and when rubbed between the fingers will go mushy. It is usually brilliant white in appearance. If it remains dry and dust-like and grey or yellowish it is minerals. Also it is unusual for fungus to cover very large areas. It tends to form in discrete patches. You will also probably have noticed the fungi above ground around about this time of year.
Yet another possibility is cement from old buildings!!
..or someone using a 'clay breaker' gypsum badly
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
Thanks for all the replies. It is almost like a thick layer of ash has been deposited under the soil surface. It is very very dry and not at all like a fungus. In the area where I found it there are large shrubs which will take a lot of moisture from the soil. It is definitely not residue from old buildings as there have never been any there. I will follow up the suggestion that it may be mineral salts. I have already begun to dig out as much as I can.
Hi jane297, I was watching some old Gardeners World programs on youtube a few nights back with Geoff Hamilton. He was in a particular garden and said to the lady of the house, how wonderful her hostas were looking. As there were no slug holes in them. She told Goeff that someone had told her, that slugs don't like fire ash, so she dug it into the boarders around the hostas and it seemed to of worked. Just thought I'd mention it. How large a area are you talking.Ever thought it could be someone's or somethings cremation ashes. People do bury their pets in the garden and plant a bush or a tree etc.