Improving Caliche Soil
Question
August 30, 2024
Please, can you help? We’re looking for an agricultural manufacturer where we can order fertilised soil by the ton near Deeming, NM. Our intentions are to build a food forest for the homestead. And if it’s fruitful enough, to provide natural produce locally. We were hoping to find a source that mixes well with the wild-vastly found caliche.
Answer(s)
Answer by JH: Perhaps the NM Dept of Agriculture https://nmdeptag.nmsu.edu/agrifuture.html
and/or the Luna County Extension Office at 575/536-8806 may be of help.
Answer by JZ: I will add a bit to what my colleague JH has sent to you. I think what you are wanting is a soil amendment, which would be compost. You would have to seek out a large scale composting facility in your vicinity. As you start this ongoing process you may want to establish a baseline by getting samples of your soil to a soil test laboratory. You might pay particular attention to the % organic matter in the soil report. You may also consider cover cropping as a method of improving soil organic matter and fertility. Our webpage “Soil Matters” may be helpful and as mentioned your local Ag. Agent could be of help:
Soil Matters | Bernalillo County Extension Master Composters | New Mexico
Caliche is an issue to discuss with your agent. Hope this is helpful. Get back if you have questions. All the best in your efforts.