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Caliche

 
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I live on a caliche nob in south central Texas. I see many articles on improving real dirt, but nothing on reclaiming what nature has made into cement. I have trouble believing there is nothing that can be done to reclaim this type of ground. Doesnt anyone work this type of ground?
Yikes! I need help!
 
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Location: Sierra Nevada foothills, 350 m, USDA 8b, sunset zone 7
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Originally I thought that the most efficient method is dynamite and deep ripping. Then I read that there are more gentle approaches - some cover crops, drilling holes, using hoe, etc., but I believe it will take a while.
I would order a bulldozer and deep rip it and then use gentle methods.
 
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Much depends upon how much land you are seeking to reclaim.  If I was looking for land as a vegetable garden, I would use raised beds.
 
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My dirt is caliche.  I disagree that nothing can be done to improve caliche.

Organic matter, lots of it will improve caliche.

Wood chips, compost, mushrooms, mulch are all your friends.

Do what you can with what you can get your hands on.

Another tidbit of information make leaf mold from all the leaves you can get your hands on..

 
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Location: Due to winter mortality, I stubbornly state, zone 7a Tennessee
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This thread may give you some ideas. https://permies.com/t/74432/Sunken-beds-hardpan-caliche
 
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