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Septic tank spill trench lime sand
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Posted by Snoopy47 WA (My Page) on Sun, Mar 27, 05 at 2:53
I have a spill trench from an old septic tank which I am told is lime sand. This material is very hard to grow anything in which would explain why previous tenant did not plant any fruit trees in that area. Can anyone advise how I can make this material into a good growing medium?
Having it taken away is not an option due to the quantity and inability to get a digger and truck to the area. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Septic tank spill trench lime sand
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As far as I know, lime sand is sand to which lime has been added. This is done because the raw water from the septic can be somewhat acidic. This helps to neutralise it. Therefore you are dealing with two problems. You need to do a ph test so that you can decide if the area is still too alkaline. With a bit of luck it might be alright. The other problem is the sand. All you can do is add heaps and heaps of organic matter to improve it. If you can get hold of some seaweed, this can help add humus to the soil. If you can get hold of some clay, mix it to a thin slurry with water and pour over the area. A green manure crop might help. Lupins are good for this.
Good luck, Dee. |
RE: Septic tank spill trench lime sand
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| Lupins are out over here, deejaus so Broad beans do the same job. Would sprinkling sulphur help acidify the soil? |
RE: Septic tank spill trench lime sand
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- Posted by deejaus Melb.Vic. Aust (My Page) on
Mon, Mar 28, 05 at 17:45
Yes Annabel, sulphur does help to acidify soil, but there are some very important points to remember. It must be mixed into the soil for the bacterial action to begin. The soil must be moist. The area should be aerated. The soil needs to be warm, so it not a winter job. All of this takes time, so don't expect results overnight!
Dee. |
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