tag: Desert Southwest

Sometimes called “nature’s cement,” caliche is a hardened layer of calcium carbonate that binds rock, sand, and soil together into a cement-like barrier that roots—and water—struggle to pass through. In the Desert Southwest, caliche can create real challenges for gardeners, affecting drainage, root growth, and overall soil health. In this article, we’ll look at some practical ways to manage caliche in your yard. A Bit More About Caliche Caliche is common in desert environments from the USA to Australia....

Deserts are notoriously harsh environments. Hot and dry (excluding Antarctica), with low rainfall, desert soils are challenging for most plants and take years to naturally build fertility. Deserts are found on multiple continents, from Australia to the Desert Southwest in the USA. Compost is an excellent soil amendment and a powerful way to enrich impoverished soil. But as compost requires moisture and plenty of organisms, is it possible in the desert?...