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Tropical Fruits

Alfisols for mango growing???

12 years ago

I've heard that mangoes like Iron. I've read that Alfisols has lots of Iron in it. "Crops grown in Alfisols produce better" says a source. My question is, is this true? In my area of Houston, I am just about on the boundary of Alfisols and Vertisols I have seen very small amounts of clay in my soil, and it is made mostly of tiny particles (almost sand-ish, but dirt-like in color/structure...). I also know it is very light, but compacts very easily when wet (so I will just add vermiculite for drainage).

Basically, I would like to know if this soil would be suitable for growing mango trees healthily. I would like to be able to grow them in the ground, so they have optimal space to expand and produce.

Thanks, MGB

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Comments (3)

adiel
12 years ago
Man-Go-Bananas, I would say definitely go for it! According to wikipedia, alfisols have abundant potassium:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfisols

One thing you might want to do is make sure you don't plant it in an area that will be constantly moist since that could be a problem for blooming. I am sure the other folks on here could add more to this. Take a picture and let us know how it goes.

Adiel
adiel
12 years ago
Man-Go-Bananas, not sure if it helps much but I found this thread related to your topic. It looks like the main concern for your area is not the soil but protection from cold weather:

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/txgard/msg071105554054.html

Adiel
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Man-Go-Bananas
Original Author
12 years ago
Yes, adiel, the main concern is protection from frost. I will be able to protect them with Christmas lights and frost cloth. I was going to make a special enclosure for them, and I will definitely post pictures when It is all done and ready.

Thanks for the encouragement!!!

MGB

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