Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Friday - September 03, 2004
From: Plano, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Soils
Title: Smarty Plants on caliche
Answered by: Damon Waitt
QUESTION:
I have heard of sand, silt, clay, and loam, but what is caliche?ANSWER:
According to the Arizona Department of Agriculture, Caliche is a layer of soil in which the soils has been cemented together by lime (calcium carbonate). Caliche typically occurs in desert or semi-arid areas.
More Soils Questions
Weak stems on asters and ironweed from Woodbridge ON
June 06, 2012 - My question is in regards to plants flopping over. My smooth asters and ironweeds never seem to have strong stems.
Is because the soil is too fertile or maybe too shallow?
view the full question and answer
Proper soil for Blackfoot daisy (Melampodium leucanthum)
April 18, 2006 - I live in San Antonio. Have taken landscape course at the center several years ago-(fabulous)! I am putting in a raised portion of the garden this year with Blackfoot Daisies. Can you tell me where...
view the full question and answer
Malpighia glabra for Austin
October 14, 2010 - Dear Mr. Smarty Pants,
I am planting native Malpighia in a raised bed that was specially prepared for growing roses (soil and amendments). This bed has been left fallow for several years. Do I need t...
view the full question and answer
Soil for native Chilopsis linearis and Salvia greggii
February 08, 2010 - I want to plant a desert willow and a salvia greggii in my small lot. The developer used sandy loam to fill in the small garden in the front. I am 73 and a bit impaired. Do I really need to remove ...
view the full question and answer
Fruit in the compost bin
June 07, 2009 - I have a compost bin and I use the pulp from fruits and vegetables as one of the ingredients in my compost pile. We juice everyday so will all this pulp be too potent for new seedlings?
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
