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Why do smart gardeners scatter chalk under plum trees: here's the trick
04.04.2023 20:34
Updated: 15.04.2023 02:24
Experienced gardeners have long appreciated the benefits of chalk for fruit plants, so they use it as needed.
This action helps to increase the yield, but there is a nuance.
Why do we need chalk?
Plum bears fruit poorly if the soil is acidic. For this tree, the optimal pH is 6.5-7.5, i.e. the plant likes neutral or slightly alkaline soil. If the indicator is towards 6.0 and below, the yield may fall.
In addition, in acidic soil, plums absorb a number of nutrients worse, which also affects fruiting.
Chalk is one of the means that allows you to deoxidize the soil, making it neutral or alkaline.
When and how to contribute
Gardeners usually deoxidize the soil in early spring or late winter by scattering chalk directly on the snow. It is acceptable to apply it at the beginning of the growing season.
Chalk is scattered over the entire area of the tree trunk circle - 200-400 g per 1 square meter. The volume depends on the age of the tree. It is important not just to scatter, but to lightly dig into the soil and water it.
