Hi Cordelia,
I'ld like to add my two bobs worth, as well. I agree with Lloyd. In addition I
would start with a soil test. Get soil pits dug in a 75m x 75m or 100mx100m or
wider spacings depending on what type of production you want to have: broad
acre, orchard, vegetables? The vertical walls of the pit give you a good look
at the soil profile, depth and type of horizons, maybe impermeable layers,soil
structure, texture. Here in Sunraysia, Australia, 75x75m is recommended for
horticulture (grapes and citrus), because the soils vary so much, albeit they
look uniform on the top. But underneath we get often carbonate layers that
roots won't penetrate. That is most likely not your problem, but there might be
others. Perhaps the ag department or someone has done soil studies in your area
and can give you an overview of soil types, what type of clay you've got
(different clay minerals have different cation exchange capacities and
nutrients) and any general characteristics of your soil.
Any operation that causes compaction will put your soil back, because the
microorganisms live in the pores of the soil aggregates.
Ideally, I guess, though it might not be practical, you put in permanent pasture
(grass legume mix) for at least a year. Even grazing can cause compaction if
the soil is wet after rain.
Regards,
Christiane
