clay soil

[Jose Luiz M Garcia]

How about a soil analysis ?             From what you describe it looks like your soil is lacking a fair amount             of Calcium and if it is Calcium what is missing not peat or compost will do the job             on a short term.             How about knowing what is its Base Saturation ?             How about trying to put calcium around 65%, magnesium arounf 15% and Potassium             around 5% ( depending on what you intend to grow) ?               Jose       Dear BD farmers, This is my first query to all of you.  We have just moved to some land in southern Maine and have just rototilled our first patch of soil with the hopes of working this land biodynamically. It appears to be solid clay.  Hard, golfball-sized rocks.  What are your best, first recommendations  for beginning to build this soil, given that we just got here and have not yet had the time to start a serious composting effort? A local landscaper (not BD) says he has had his best luck with loads of peat mixed with compost and some sand then that is rototilled into the clay. It seems I remember Steiner nixing peat in the Agriculture book.  So what do you experienced farmers know about peat?  Also what about gypsum? Any and all advice is welcomed.  My husband is wondering whether we ought not go into the clay pot or brick business instead! Thanks. Cordelia