Hardpan

Marijuana Horticulture

by Jorge Cervantes

Hardpan is a condition whereby a layer of soil beneath the soil surface is hard and impenetrable to both water and roots. Caliche is a hardpan common in the southwest USA. It consists of a layer of calcium carbonate (lime) located below the topsoil. The texture of caliches varies from granular to solid cement-like rock and can be from a few inches to many feet thick.

To plant in any hardpan area, you must bore through it t provide drainage. An auger will work to bore a hole, but a pick and shovel are practical, too. All other planting techniques remain the same. Discard the hardpan bored out of the hole and replace with compost or high quality garden soil.