[b]Soil Building Systems, Inc.[/b] is a renowned manufacturer and wholesaler of bagged and bulk high-quality organic compost, mulches, specialty products, and soil mixes. They have shared some common problems encountered in the landscape. These problems are listed below along with their possible causes and cures -

[b]Problem 1- Chlorosis - yellowing or blanching.[/b]

- One of the possible causes of this condition is that the alkaline soil pH inhibits uptake of nutrients and can cause temporary or permanent plant damage. It’s possible cure is to use a soil acidifier or fertilizer, or use SBS’ pH Balanced Compost to adjust the soil pH to the neutral zone when installing or amending the bed.
- Another cause of this condition is methane gas. It can be cured by disposing of the bed prep., replacement with soil mix containing fully cured compost and reinstalling plants, if not too damaged. Alternatively, wait 1 year, aerate the bed thoroughly and replant.
- The third, and very common cause is too much water, which can be cured by minimizing the watering frequency and improving the drainage.
- In addition to this, lack of water is another cause, and the easiest cure for this problem is to increase watering frequency, or preferably, the duration of the watering cycle.

[b]Problem 2- Stunting Of Plant Growth[/b]

- Methane gas is a major cause of stunted plants, and is caused by using unfinished (premature) compost. If this problem occurs, you should consider disposing of the bed prep. Replace with soil mix that contains fully cured compost and reinstall plants if not too damaged. Alternatively, wait 1 year, aerate the bed thoroughly and replant. Second possible cause is the lack of proper bed preparation, when the soil is too tight and prevents the necessary root growth. Work in some of SBS’s pH balanced Compost or Professional Compost into the bed as close to the root areas as possible to encourage their growth.

[b]Problem 3- Death loss in a newly planted bed (3-9 months old)[/b]

- Firstly, it is caused due to stressed installation of plants and replanting is the possible cure.
- Second cause is the methane gas emissions, which is caused by the plants being installed in immature compost, and may require the plants to be replaced once the soil cures itself. On the other hand, you can wait for one to two years for the immature compost to cure. Also, aerating the bed thoroughly and replant will help accelerating the curing process.
- Thirdly, too much water leads to stunting. Improvement of drainage and watering less frequently can cure this problem.
- Lastly, too little watering can stunt the growth of a plant. Increasing the watering frequency is the most reasonable solution or cure for this situation.

[b]About Baron Ablon[/b]

[b]Baron Ablon[/b] is the President, CEO and Owner of [b]Soil Building Systems, Inc.[/b] (SBS). Headquartered in Dallas, SBS began in 1972 and is among the leading manufacturers and wholesalers that provide exceedingly high-quality bagged and bulk organic composts, soil mixes, mulches, and other specialty products. Since their founding, SBS has been serving Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex landscape professionals and gardening enthusiasts.