Proof of Concept Testing On Saline Sodic Soil

Last summer we did some Proof of Concept testing at the New Mexico Consortium labs, determining if the Supramolecular Aromatic Chemistry coming from the Humic molecules in TerraPro provided a Mechanism of Action in fixing or controlling sodic saline conditions. The tests went well and with positive results, however there were a few steps that got missed or left out that I'd like to get some measurements on, so Anna and I will do a repeat of a similar tests using our new lab in Los Lunas. I'm hoping that Kevin Devine and Stephen Gomez, both highly qualified professional chemists can help me do some test and measurements once the grow out phase is completed. I collected 20 gallons of soil from this spot near Socorro New Mexico where even the native salt grass was beyond its tolerance and could not grow. You can see the salt grass growing close to the collection site but not on it. I've taken the soil back to the lab, will send samples off to a lab for a pre-test analysis, and follow that up with a post test analysis. In the meantime we shall see what increment of TerraPro gives us the best performance germinating some stuff. When we did this last summer with Los Alamos National Labs, the post soil analysis phase was skipped because the soil was thrown away after the roots of the plants were extracted and measured for microbial characteristics. I asked that the soil be returned to me, but that didn't happen.

Michael Martin Meléndrez
Managing Member of Soil Secrets LLC
www.soilsecrets.com

Comments

Question: How close to my house can I plant a Cottonwood tree?

Cottonwoods grow to be immense trees attaining dimensions of up to 40 - 50 feet tall and wide with a root system to match. Cottonwoods have a surface root system that can heave sidewalks, crack walls and home foundations if planted too close. Cottonwoods should be planted a minimal distance from structures of at least 25 feet if not further. Trees That Please Nursery carries two varieties of cotton-less, Cottonwood Trees. Please contact us or stop by the store for more information.

Afghan Pine

The Afghan Pine ( Pinus eldarica ) is also known as Desert Pine, Eldarica Pine or Mondell Pine. Afghan Pine is native to low rainfall areas of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and southern Russia . In fact, when planted in areas of high rainfall (> 20” per year), it becomes susceptible to a number of diseases and rapidly declines. This problem has occurred in East Texas. The Afghan Pine thrives in heat, wind, and tolerates drought. Afghan Pine must be planted in soils with good drainage like sand. It is not suitable for poorly drained heavy clasy soils. Afghan Pines are generally pyramidal or Christmas tree shaped in form when young becoming more oval or irregular with age. The leaves of the Afghan Pine are evergreen needles usually found in groups of 2 per fascicle or sheath. Needles are shed after several years and make excellent mulch as they fall around the trees base. It has attractive trunk bark that becomes dark and furrowed with...

All About the Shantung Maple!

The Shantung Maple ( Acer truncatum ) is also known as the Purple Blow Maple due to the color of its newly emerging leaves which are red-purple (see photo below). These young expanding red-purple leaves change to green as they mature. Leaves are small, about the size of Japanese Red Maple leaves, perhaps 3’-4’ wide at maturity. The Shantung Maple grows 1′-2′ annually reaching 25″ tall and wide. This is our tree for all planting situations. This Maple does well in heavy clay, sandy soils, full sun, or part shade. It can be planted in a lawn or next to a hot asphalt street (see photo below). It seemingly is a happy tree enjoying life wherever it is placed. One place we would not recommend planting this tree is in a rockscape which is just too hot and inhospitable to support this beautiful tree. A smaller tree, the Shantung Ma...

Trees That Please Nursery

Search This Blog