Newest soil amendment recommendations? - Ask Extension
I am building some raised beds and moving some large plants/shrubs in areas of my yard where the mineral soil is basically clay. For years I've dug in...
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Newest soil amendment recommendations? #875575
Asked July 01, 2024, 9:15 PM EDT
I am building some raised beds and moving some large plants/shrubs in areas of my yard where the mineral soil is basically clay. For years I've dug in large amounts of compost when possible but lately I'm seeing a number of (scholarly) articles that stress the need to avoid any kind of tillage in soil, and having compost layered on top of the soil layers, and then topped with a few inches of mulch. I believe the studies/reasoning is that the less the soil layer is disturbed, the better the retention/improvement of the overall soil microbiome. What are the current OSU recommendations for homeowners?
Yamhill County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Gail,
First, here is some information from Iowa State University Extension on "Transplanting Trees and Shrubs". This does not cover your question, but covers preparing the shrub for moving and how large of a root ball to plan on moving. If at all possible, wait until fall when the shrubs are going into dormancy. Certainly refrain from trying to move shrubs when we are in the middle of a heatwave.
The recommendation is to not amend with compost but rather to add it as mulch on top of the soil layer. Here's a link to "Selecting, Planting, and Caring for a New Tree" from OSU Extension. It has a clear guide to planting trees which will apply to shrubs.
First, here is some information from Iowa State University Extension on "Transplanting Trees and Shrubs". This does not cover your question, but covers preparing the shrub for moving and how large of a root ball to plan on moving. If at all possible, wait until fall when the shrubs are going into dormancy. Certainly refrain from trying to move shrubs when we are in the middle of a heatwave.
The recommendation is to not amend with compost but rather to add it as mulch on top of the soil layer. Here's a link to "Selecting, Planting, and Caring for a New Tree" from OSU Extension. It has a clear guide to planting trees which will apply to shrubs.
