Hi Lloyd, Gil & David; Pleased to hear from you guys. You described the soil almost to a 'T' Lloyd it is a heavy waterlogged soil, that seems to never dry. The aggregates have not slaked or dispersed. (is that the Mg causing that and or lack of clay?) It's an area of about 6 acres, so they are happy to turn up the soil & add lime. Other species besides Casurinas (tubestock) were planted but the majority were cas. and were picked for the wet conditions of this paddock. A small creek runs through the beginning of this paddock, but it is usually dry. They have watered the trees, but it is thought that the moist soil was eventually the killer of the trees.
Here is where my ignorance really shines through. Should they first work on disturbing the soil & liming, then apply preps, such as 500? In normal soils I agree with you David, the rainfall for the year dictates whether or not I plant large amounts of natives. Must admit I have never once watered the trees I've planted. Always plant by the calendar, rainfall and always mulch my trees. Have even used sheep dags for mulch, anything to give that protection of moisture seems to have been the key to a great success rate. Would love to see the results of the DD you are doing Gil, if ever I get down that far. Investigating some in this area over the next little while. As Lloyd points out these farmers are figuring it out on their own and have not had great success, but it seems not to have deterred them. Really appreciate the time and learning. L&L Liz
