Rainforrest Soil

Eric Western starts with ...
I live on aproperty on top of the Sarina Range $0 k from Mackay. It is typical rainforrest soil that is a 18 inch to 2 foot good cover of rich black soil with a stoney clay base under that. This soil in the heavy rains we are having now is absolulty Water logged and if you dug a hole the water would be flowing through it. When the rain stops what should i do for my Berries and citrus trees to ensure good health.

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Brendan says...
Another way Eric, is to place the tree(s) ON TOP of the ground, then mound up soil, potting mix etc, to make a mound. I know it's too late for that now, because they're already in the soil. Try giving your trees a heavy dressing of Gypsum, and don't forget to mulch all trees, keeping the mulch at least 200mm (8 inches) from the tree trunk. You may also want to give your citrus trees a spray of 'Yates Anti Rot' as well, after the rain stops. This should help.

Brendan says...
It appears you have the root-rot disease Phytophthora Cinnamomi where the trees were planted. Try not to replant new trees in the same place where the other's have died. Don't give up yet, they'll grow like mad there. Try this (when the rain dies down): Cut the bottom off the plastic bag that the trees come in. Carefully place this tree on top of the ground, spread Gypsum all around the tree (I make it about 4 or 5 foot square), and cover with newspaper (to kill the grass). Mix soil, potting mix and more gypsum (no fertilizer), together in a wheelbarrow, and mound this up around the tree (plastic bag/sleeve) and firm it a bit. Slip the plastic up off the tree and firm the soil around the tree. Mulch the mound heavily and give the tree a good drink. This is the way I plant avocados, and they're a lot harder to grow than citrus. This method gives excellent drainage. Don't forget the Yates Anti Rot, spray the trees after about 5 or 6 months. Hope this helps. (PS Why not try some avocados? eg Shepard, Edranol, Reed & Hass)

Brendan says...
Oops, sorry guys, I thought I was only talking to one person. My last advice (10th Feb), was really for Eric at Sarina Range. Doesn't matter, it's there for anyone to use. Hope your trees are still going Eric.