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PA

My neighbor is selling mushroom soil, my soil is clay. would it be a good idea to buy some of the mushroom soil, if so how much do you think I should add to each hill? I always add a lot of manure also. I would also like to thank everybody for the advice I've gotten here. This is a great sight.

3/7/2000 7:41:18 PM

Bristol,CT

The amount you add depends on a number of factors especially drainage and soil fertility objectives. Since you have clay soil, then drainage may already be a problem. Therefore, addition of too much could turn your soil into "muck". Since you are also adding manure, only work in enough to maintain your soil at about 10% organic material. If you want to add more, use it as a mulch by adding at most 2 inches on top of the soil.
Fertility depends on the ability of the soil to hold nutrient ions and release to the plant during water uptake. Clay is much more effective in the ion exchange than silt/sand. Additionally, the organic material will decompose into humus which is also good at ion exchange. This will provide a continual source of nutrients to the plant. Happy gardening.

3/20/2000 6:14:45 PM