Good question: I hope I have as good an answer.
The main reason why it is recommended that the soil be allowed to dry out is
to prevent root rot. As we all know, some plants, such as water lilies and
calladiums can live and thrive with their roots submerged in water
indefinitely. Why is it good for them and not for other plants? Because
most plants need more air circulation to keep their roots healthy. Aha! So
could this mean that there is a structural difference between fibrous roots
and non-fibrous roots? Well, just by looking at them we can see that there
are many more tiny white feeder roots on the fibrous plants than on the
non-fibrous ones.
Since these feeder roots are the ones which require the most moisture, it
follows that they must be watered more frequently than the non-fibrous ones.
Hence, we keep broad leafed evergreens moister than needled evergreens. In
fact, the argument that some trees should be allowed to dry out almost
completely should be limited to such trees as black pines, Scots pines and
junipers. Broad leafed evergreens should never be allowed to go dry.
One more important consideration: soil composition and amount of sunshine.
The more organic material in your soil mix, the slower it is to lose
moisture. The more sun exposure, the faster the evaporation.
I hope this explanation does more to answer your question than to confuse
you.
Marty
----- Original Message -----
From: "Pat Patterson"
To:
Sent: Monday, September 06, 2004 4:51 AM
Subject: [IBC] Wiring...how damp is my soil?


G'day all...

I guess the question should be "how damp should my soil be?".

However, to the point...traditional wisdom tells us that our soil should
be
relatively "dry" when wiring. For example, Tom Zane says in his Syllabus
(4th
ed., 2001) that the soil "...should be relatively dry..."; and, Deborah
Koreshoff says the soil should be "dryish" (to the point that it is due
for
watering), not turgid. I've heard the same thing several times in
lectures,
classes and workshops as recently as 5 years back.

Now, I have recently been told that this thinking is changing...that there
should be more moisture than previously thought, in the soil.

I have researched at least 15 books, plus other sources, and curiously,
the
subject is seldom discussed.

Is the traditional wisdom changing? Is there, in fact, significant
evidence
that indicates more moisture?

Would like to hear your thoughts.

Have a good day...

Pat


Dez of the Arizona High Dezert, at 4550', Oracle, AZ,
2000' above Tucson Sunset Zone 10 USDA Zone 8
aka: Pat Patterson 'riding off in all directions'

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