The more research I've done on the issue, the more definite it seems sodium is a major, major problem with my soil. Plus, some things I have done have made it worse.

Salinity is listed as one of the biggest crop killers worldwide. So I'm not exactly alone.

Some things which have made it worse are:
Using wood ashes. High in salt content.
Insecticidal soap. High in salt.
Using municipal water. Has chlorine (sodium chloride), which adds more sodium to the soil.
Poor construction of mounds.
Using cooked vegetables in the compost. Typically has salt added in.

Combined with heavy clay soil and low calcium content, the soil retains salt at the surface and root zone.

I do have a plan of action. Some elements are actions already planned but this makes them more important to utilize.

For one, I definitely need a good well pump. Aquifer water will be lower in sodium than municipal water.

Need to get a tiller. Till deeply and mix in lots of organic material. This will break up the clay and make the soil drain better. Need to till and form rows well before next spring, then hypersaturate the soil several times before planting season next year.

Of course, avoid using cooked, canned or frozen vegetables in the compost.

Once the ladybugs arrive, stop using soap for insect control. Order mantises and lacewings.

Nothing will remove the sodium from the soil. Some amendments will help by binding the salts and making them inert. Magnesium is one I've read about. Somewhat questionable chemically but does appear to be helping. Sulfur. More Phos. Most importantly Calcium. Need to load the soil down heavily with that.

Problem with Calcium is that it reduces acidity. (Think Tums.) So have to compensate for that.

It will still take some work to reach the right balance. But I know I'm on the right track. This soil and these conditions are complex, so it is a process of identifying and correcting successive issues. On a highly restrained budget until now and still trying to keep costs down after this. Wouldn't make sense to spend more on the garden than groceries would cost.

One good thing to report. As I treat the garden, I have been treating different sections of grass. That gives me a faster assessment of effectiveness. Since using the Epsom salt and Calcium, treated areas of grass have turned several shades greener. Plus some corn stalks have accelerated rapidly.

Okay. Have stuff to do.The more research I've done on the issue, the more definite it seems sodium is a major, major problem with my soil. Plus, some things I have done have made it worse.

Salinity is listed as one of the biggest crop killers worldwide. So I'm not exactly alone.

Some things which have made it worse are:
Using wood ashes. High in salt content.
Insecticidal soap. High in salt.
Using municipal water. Has chlorine (sodium chloride), which adds more sodium to the soil.
Poor construction of mounds.
Using cooked vegetables in the compost. Typically has salt added in.

Combined with heavy clay soil and low calcium content, the soil retains salt at the surface and root zone.

I do have a plan of action. Some elements are actions already planned but this makes them more important to utilize.

For one, I definitely need a good well pump. Aquifer water will be lower in sodium than municipal water.

Need to get a tiller. Till deeply and mix in lots of organic material. This will break up the clay and make the soil drain better. Need to till and form rows well before next spring, then hypersaturate the soil several times before planting season next year.

Of course, avoid using cooked, canned or frozen vegetables in the compost.

Once the ladybugs arrive, stop using soap for insect control. Order mantises and lacewings.

Nothing will remove the sodium from the soil. Some amendments will help by binding the salts and making them inert. Magnesium is one I've read about. Somewhat questionable chemically but does appear to be helping. Sulfur. More Phos. Most importantly Calcium. Need to load the soil down heavily with that.

Problem with Calcium is that it reduces acidity. (Think Tums.) So have to compensate for that.

It will still take some work to reach the right balance. But I know I'm on the right track. This soil and these conditions are complex, so it is a process of identifying and correcting successive issues. On a highly restrained budget until now and still trying to keep costs down after this. Wouldn't make sense to spend more on the garden than groceries would cost.

One good thing to report. As I treat the garden, I have been treating different sections of grass. That gives me a faster assessment of effectiveness. Since using the Epsom salt and Calcium, treated areas of grass have turned several shades greener. Plus some corn stalks have accelerated rapidly.

Okay. Have stuff to do.