How can caliche be managed?
Physical problems associated with caliche can be reduced or eliminated by breaking apart and removing as much caliche as practical when making holes for planting. Holes should penetrate completely through the caliche layer to allow water to drain rapidly. The latest planting guidelines recommend a shallow hole rather than a large deep hole. A hole no deeper than the root ball and up to 3 to 5 times as wide will permit normal development and growth of the roots and tops of your plants. If it is not practical to dig the entire diameter of the hole through the caliche, then a smaller drainage hole can be made that pierces through the caliche and provides drainage. Do not place drain holes directly under the root ball as this will force excess water through the root system and may encourage root suffocation and disease. Drainage can easily be checked prior to filling with soil or planting by partially filling the hole with water. If the water level drops at least four inches in four hours,
