SOURNESS IN SOILS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 August 1938, Page 4

SOURNESS IN SOILS

CORRECTIVE MEASURES. The word “sour” constantly used in relation to soils that have become unhealthy either in the garden or in pots, may be, as some scientists suggest, an inaccurate description. It is, however, expressive of an undesirable state, and gardeners will continue to use it. It is quite true that “acidity” sounds more like a scientific term, but there ar* 3 forms of soil acidity*which admirably suit classes of what we would term lime hating plants. Peats and leaf soil are acid. Rhododendrons, azaleas and heaths like the acidity of the peat and leaf mould, but extremely few plants can tolerate soil that has been soured by constant saturation, bad drainage, over manuring and lack of air penetration. Rough digging and exposure to air and sunshine are corrective measures, but where the drainage is at fault it is imperative that it should be corrected. If pipe draining is impossible, deep holes should be dug and' filled with scoria or porous rubble. Freshly burned lime is a great soil sweetener and may be used on vacant ground, but where plants are in occupation, hydrated or slaked lime will be more prudent to use;