Porous soil
It is very important for vigorous root development. It will
enable oxygen to easily penetrate the soil, making
respiration easier for the plants. Porous soil is sandy or
clay loam. Clay soil, which is mostly found in Luzon and
Visayas, is not conducive to the early development of fruit
trees. Early planting on this type of soil results in
stunted growth of the plant and in some cases, even death.
In addition, those which survive require longer years to
bear fruits. The problem with clay soil being compact slows
down the root development thus requiring longer time before
the seedling could eventually take off from the ground.
How to make clay soil porous
A newly planted tree shall easily take off from the ground
if the planting medium is porous. Porous soil influences the
vigorous root development and plant growth.
For small planting materials, dig two feet by two feet depth
or bigger. This planting hole is enough for the early
vigorous roots development. Mix the top (upper 6 inches
black soil) with at least 1/3 rice hull, sand or sawdust of
the total soil volume. To make the soil fertile, add 5%
compost or organic fertilizer. This is the best planting
medium for clay soil. For sandy loam soil, do not add any
more rice hull, only organic fertilizer compost or decayed
manure because a sandy soil is already porous.
Fertile soil
The fertility of the soil can be determined through its
color. Volcanic soil, which is almost black in color, are
the most fertile soil like that in Mt. Makiling (Laguna),
Mt. Mayon (Albay), Taal volcano and Mt. Kanlaon (Negros).
Fruit trees planted in these areas will grow fast and will
produce sweet fruits.
Reddish soil found mostly in Tanay, Rizal and other Luzon
areas are clay soil which needs to be added with organic
fertilizer and other necessary macro-and-micro nutrients.
Unless given proper care and balance fertilization, fruit
trees planted here has slow growth and less fruiting than
those planted in volcanic soil.
Well-drained soil
This is the most important requirement for the successful
growth and development of plants. The trees must be provided
with drainage canal for the easy removal of excess water
especially during heavy continuous rain. If there is no
drainage canal, plant the tree in a mound.
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