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  • John Warmerdam

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    January 10, 2023 at 10:27 pm
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    That kind of process is exactly what fumigation does, and many have used it effectively (if you disregard the environmental cost, of course). One of the forgotten benefits of “killing the biology” is that all their nutrients are released and become available for the plant, or other biology. I would suggest that this is the one and only time to use tillage, breaking up the soil reduce compaction, and swap the biome as much as possible, especially if you are going back in with a similar crop. An established soil community may be present, but the population of bad guys will be much higher in a soil growing a permanent crop for many years than will be preferable for a new tree/vine. I can’t account for calcium hydroxide, but remember you will need water to make it react in the soil. If you have the means to irrigate it in that may be OK, but if not you may have bad times planting right back in. I’d suggest limestone, with or without magnesium as needed, would be a safer bet, especially for a grape. A heavy shot of manure will also help change things, as the biology and nutrients will change the lineup of the biology in your soil.