Need tips and/or suggestions for Phoenix soil improvement

[uplifted]

I have some plants in my backyard for last 10+ years , been watering eve

ryday every year but the plant never grew bigger. Some plants are turning yellow leaves, which I think suggests either not enough water or nutrients. The soil seems dry and hard. I tried many different methods but didn't work because of the Arizona weather. The soil is always hard and dry. I need some tips or suggestions on how to improve the soil where I have plants. Please see the picture attached. Thank you

 

[oneeye]

If you cultivate the soil and add compost to the soil the compost will act like a sponge and hold water in the ground longer. After composting add about 2 to 4 inches of mulch to keep the moisture in the ground longer and keep the temperatures cooler.

 

[Meadowlark]

I tried many different methods but didn't work because of the Arizona weather. The soil is always hard and dry. I need some tips or suggestions on how to improve the soil where I have plants.

Welcome @uplifted

I'm wondering if any of those methods you tried included amending your soil with organic matter...compost, green manure, composted animal manure, etc. etc.

Organic matter enhances soil structure, improves water infiltration and increases aeration all of which it sounds like you really need.

Also, organic matter feeds beneficial microbes that break down nutrients and make them more available to plants enabling growth.

 

[uplifted]

If you cultivate the soil and add compost to the soil the compost will act like a sponge and hold water in the ground longer. After composting add about 2 to 4 inches of mulch to keep the moisture in the ground longer and keep the temperatures cooler.

I'll try that. Thanks for the tip

 

[uplifted]

Welcome @uplifted

I'm wondering if any of those methods you tried included amending your soil with organic matter...compost, green manure, composted animal manure, etc. etc.

Organic matter enhances soil structure, improves water infiltration and increases aeration all of which it sounds like you really need.

Also, organic matter feeds beneficial microbes that break down nutrients and make them more available to plants enabling growth.

I did put cow manure as compost around the roots and put mulch on top and regular water drip every day to all plants in line for 45 mins but in a month or so it gets dry again, not sure if water dripping is not providing enough water to every plant in the water line. I'll try to cultivate around roots and put some compost in it and then add mulch and seem but don't know how often I have to do it. Thanks for your advice.

 

[cpp gardener]

Try watering once a week the duration you already are. Drip systems need to go for hours not minutes like sprays. Mostly they apply about 1 gallon per hour, so 45 minutes isn't even 1 gallon. 4-6 hours is better.
Use 4" of mulch and refresh at least once a year.

 

[oneeye]

I did put cow manure as compost around the roots and put mulch on top and regular water drip every day to all plants in line for 45 mins but in a month or so it gets dry again, not sure if water dripping is not providing enough water to every plant in the water line. I'll try to cultivate around roots and put some compost in it and then add mulch and seem but don't know how often I have to do it. Thanks for your advice.

If you add compost or composted manure in late Winter every year, you will have a better water-holding capacity soil. Sometimes it takes a few years to get best results, but its well worth the time invested.

As far as your soil drying out before the next cycle, just extend the water time or frequency on your emitters. In drought times you may need to run you irrigation system for up to 8 hours a day. The best way to know is to use your fingers to feel the soil daily. Keep us posted friend.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

The advice above is all good, but I also wonder what water you are using, I don't suppose it is from a rain barrel in Arizona, and you may not have any choice, but company water comes from different sources, and if it is underground water may have minerals dissolved in it. I try and use rain water on my seed boxes because I know that after a bit company water will start leaving a white deposit on the surface, calcium I presume. Of course any water is better than none, but maybe someone more local to you can suggest ways you might improve it, allowing it to stand for a while will get rid of the chlorine for a start.
Saying that I remember my father being surprised when a cousin from Arizona told him what the annual rainfall was.
"But that is only a little less than we get, why is it desert?"
"We get it all in three days."
Maybe a VERY BIG water butt

 

[uplifted]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Over the weekend, I did cultivate the soil around the plants and put compost and mulch (pls see pictures). The water dripping is not drop by drop, it's small water line tube for irrigation, in 45 mins I believe it puts about 4 gallons of water every day still the soil seems to be dry due to Arizona dry weather. Let's see if the compost and mulch helps. Thanks everyone again.

 

[Meadowlark]

... Let's see if the compost and mulch helps. Thanks everyone again.

It needs to be an ongoing thing. Keep adding over the seasons and the cumulative effect really makes a difference.

 

[uplifted]

How often do I need to put compost and mulch? Especially in summer? Once a month once every 2 months?

 

[oneeye]

How often do I need to put compost and mulch? Especially in summer? Once a month once every 2 months?

Maybe just once a year friend.

 

[uplifted]

Maybe just once a year friend.

Ok thank you

 

[cpp gardener]

I would check the manufacturer’s specs to find out the rate. You may be surprised.

 

[Meadowlark]

How often do I need to put compost and mulch? Especially in summer? Once a month once every 2 months?

I like to apply it between crops. However, I also use cover crops to replenish and condition soil...very effective, especially green manure from a legume.

Not all compost is the same...different sources, different results. Composted animal manure is far different than say composted kitchen wastes.

I generally prepare my raised rows with both composted cow manure and cover crops prior to using in production.