"Blue Shale" - Ask Extension
Hello -
Do you have any experience using shale in Williamson County, or do you know of anyone using it? How well does in work in our clay soil AND whe...
Knowledgebase
"Blue Shale" #229035
Asked February 26, 2015, 4:11 PM EST
Hello -
Do you have any experience using shale in Williamson County, or do you know of anyone using it? How well does in work in our clay soil AND where can I purchase it in this area ?
Thank you !
Williamson County Texas
Expert Response
We recomend the use of expanded shale in high clya soils and are using it in our research beds in the garden in Georgetown.
'Blue Shale' from the Midway Shale formation is present in a pattern across Texas through Corsicana to Texarkana and stopping near Laredo.
Dr. Steve George, Texas AgriLife Extension Service horticulturist in Dallas, recommends the use of expanded shale particularly for heavy, sticky clay soils. After a two-year research study and six years of field trials, he said that expanded shale will "open up and aerate clay soils faster than any other product tested."
He also indicates that the lightweight material might create a permanent physical change in the blackland soil for at least "10 years as a conservative estimate." .
For new flower beds in clay soil, lay down a 3 inch layer of the expanded shale with a 3 inch layer of compost, then till in 6-8 inches deep. Expanded shale must be incorporated into the soil, not added on top of the soil surface. Crown beds to further improve drainage. After planting plants, cover with a 3 inch layer of mulch.
It is avaialble at many local nurseries..
'Blue Shale' from the Midway Shale formation is present in a pattern across Texas through Corsicana to Texarkana and stopping near Laredo.
Jack Sinclair of TXI Industries has explained that the shale is mined and
ground to 1" to l/2" range particles and then kiln fired. As it progresses
through the kiln for 40 minutes at 2,000 degrees C, certain chemical processes
take place in the silica content (60-70%) causing the material to expand..
As the material cools, cavities are left after gases escape, leaving a porous lightweight chunk capable of absorbing water and releasing it slowly at a later time.
RESEARCH DOCUMENTATIONDr. Steve George, Texas AgriLife Extension Service horticulturist in Dallas, recommends the use of expanded shale particularly for heavy, sticky clay soils. After a two-year research study and six years of field trials, he said that expanded shale will "open up and aerate clay soils faster than any other product tested."
He also indicates that the lightweight material might create a permanent physical change in the blackland soil for at least "10 years as a conservative estimate." .
For new flower beds in clay soil, lay down a 3 inch layer of the expanded shale with a 3 inch layer of compost, then till in 6-8 inches deep. Expanded shale must be incorporated into the soil, not added on top of the soil surface. Crown beds to further improve drainage. After planting plants, cover with a 3 inch layer of mulch.
It is avaialble at many local nurseries..
Thanks for the additional info!
Do you happen to know if the shale is available for purchase in this area?
Do you happen to know if the shale is available for purchase in this area?
It is avaialble at McIntires Nursery in Georgetown
