Even when it does rain, because surely it has to eventually, it will take some time before there is enough to soak into the ground and if we are really lucky some might even make its way to the dams or aquifers that are all parched too.
When the rain does come it also needs to be able to soak into the ground through our water resistant sands. I suspect there will be more problems with water-repellency this winter than previously. More soil has been allowed to dry out and have no vegetation on the surface so the organic bacterial and fungal compounds that are suspected of causing the problem have taken a stronger hold. Add to this the number of ants that are drying people's gardens out this desert year... we really need the rain!
1 comment:
Hi Vicky,
Just came across your blog and thought I'd drop you a line.
Like you, I'm concerned about how to create an abundance on Perth's soils. I've been learning a lot recently about Alan Savory's concept of 'brittle landscapes'. Perth definitely qualifies. We need plant cover all the time (and the associated soil microbes) to keep our soils in good condition.
I look forward to reading more of your posts.
Harry
http://www.ptpc.com.au
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