Salt occurs naturally in the soil and is well-tolerated by most plants at normal levels. However, when too much salt is introduced by poor drainage, improper fertilizers or de-icing agents, plants can be harmed and stunted. While there is no cure for damage already done to suffering plants, you can take preventative measures to counteract the damaging effects of salt on your gardens, landscaping and trees.
Instructions
1. Improve drainage by routing run-off away from or around the affected area. This is especially important if your plants are getting the run-off from streets or sidewalks that are salted in the winter. Use soils that drain well; for instance, lighten up the density of clay by adding compost or commercially packaged manure or garden soil. Select planting spots initially that are not in low-lying or swampy areas.
2. Choose your fertilizers carefully. Many powdered fertilizers introduce more salt into your soil, compounding your problem. Organic compost releases humic acid as it further decomposes, and this acid acts to neutralize the salts in the soil. Consider fertilizing with gypsum as another effective way to counteract the damage to plants caused by salt. Gypsum is also known as calcium sulfate, which bonds to the positive sodium ions, causing the plants not to absorb them.
3. Water frequently. Once your soil is well-drained, watering leaches the salts out and carries them away from your plants. Salt does the most harm to plants under dry conditions. Be aware, however, that watering with chlorine-treated water can also worsen your problem, as sodium and chlorine combine to form salt. Proper drainage can keep this from being a problem.
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