Restoring Fertility in Neglected Soil

Why is soil that has lain idle for years so deficient in plant food? When grass, weeds, leaves, etc., are continually decaying on it, wouldn't natural compost be made? The weeds which grow on poor soils may not require the same proportions of elements for growth as cultivated plants. When these weeds die down, they fail to change these proportions. Besides, insufficient aeration, due to lack of turning the land, may cause trouble.

How can I restore the fertility of an old garden? Soil is sand, with a clay subsoil. I've tried manure, lime, and commercial fertilizer. The predominance of sand seems the difficulty. Try heavy applications of organic matter, such as compost, manure, peat moss, straw, alfalfa, hay, or use of green manure.

Last year was the first time my garden was plowed in 30 years. I think I need lime, as the ground showed green moss. How much should I use? The best way to tell lime need is to test soil. Green moss is not an indication of acidity. More likely drainage is poor, or nutrients are lacking.

I had a 1/2-acre vegetable garden last year; the plot had been uncultivated for 15 years. Applied a ton of lime after plowing and 2 truckloads of manure direct to plants. Seeded the plot to rye and perennial rye grass last fall, and it looks all right. What, if anything, would you suggest adding this season before and after plowing? Apply 40 to 50 lbs. of 20% superphosphate per 1,000 sq. ft.

I recently bought a 171-acre farm which has not been worked for about 9 years. How can I determine what to plant? Have your soil tested. Ensure proper drainage. Consult your county agent.

Have just bought at 3-acre place which has not been worked for 4 years, but annual crop of hay has been cut. Can I bring this into cultivation in a year? Yes. Plow in the fall. Fertilize heavily in the spring. Consult your county agent.

The plot I expect to use as a vegetable garden is a vacant lot infested with weeds. Will turning the weeds under be sufficient preparation of the soil? The turning under of weeds will add organic matter to the soil. However, it may be too acid or alkaline: test for this. It may be poorly drained. It may need fertilization.

Our back yard is full of wild grass and weeds. Will soil be suitable for anything after condition is changed? Modern weed killers, which destroy all vegetation but do not sterilize the soil, can be used to kill all weeds and are available from garden shops. Usually, a short wait is necessary before seed can be down. By fertilizing heavily before spraying, soft growth is stimulated and kill is improved. As soon as vegetation is dead, it can be dug or tilled. The chances are good that the soil can be modified to produce the common vegetables and garden flowers satisfactorily.

If the soil produces a vigorous crop of weeds, is it a sign that it will grow desirable things well? Usually, yes. If the desired crops are adapted to the soil type supporting the weed growth, they should do well.

What is the best way to handle soil which has been allowed to grow with bracken and creeping berry vines and has lain idle for years? Mow or cut off and remove all undesired plants. (They may be put into compost heap.) Remove undesired woody material such as limbs and small trees. Plow or dig and leave in rough condition through winter. In spring, re-dig, fertilize heavily, and plant.