In article , "Travis"
wrote:

Carl e Roberts wrote:
15 yrs ago I added 24 cu yds of white sand to my yard (here in
Memphis). (The neighbors thot I was building a beach).
The sand is still mixed with the clay but the
clay still "hardpacks" after a good rain. I have two compost piles
"working" and intend this fall to incorporate large quantities of
organic matter (grassclippings/shredded newspaper) into this garden
spot. My question is this: I am wondering whether to add more sand to
help with the breakup of the clay or maybe gypsum is the answer here-
I am not very familiar with this product what exactly is "gypsum" and
how/when is this product added? where can gypsum be purchased?

I don't know about gypsum but I have heard that clay+sand=cement.

That sounds like a pretty likely outcome all righty. Sounds like that soil
needs MASSES of organic matter added but already has all the sand & clay
it will ever require. I doubt two compost piles (unless they're
super-humongous sized piles) will be near enough. Breaking up the soil by
mixing in a coarse-grade sawdust might be a cheap start-up for getting
organic matter in the soil. As the wood bits degrade in situ, they
encourage beneficial funguses & other healthful soil activity. Plus
coatings of sterile composted manures or leafmold will speed up the soil
improvement.

-paghat the ratgirl

--
"Of what are you afraid, my child?" inquired the kindly teacher.
"Oh, sir! The flowers, they are wild," replied the timid creature.
-from Peter Newell's "Wild Flowers"
See the Garden of Paghat the Ratgirl: http://www.paghat.com/