Caliche is calcium carbonate.  This same calcium is the fifth most abundant element in the human body.  It is also used to make antacids and as a calcium supplement in cereals, beverages, and other foodstuffs.  Calcium carbonate is one of the main ingredients of cement, so you can see why breaking through it requires a jackhammer.

 Calcium rich raindrops combine with carbon dioxide dissolved in our soil.  This results in an insoluble calcium carbonate deposit known as caliche.  Caliche can be found worldwide in arid or semi-arid areas in the form of white to grey chunky rocks or in sheets that may be several feet thick.  Not all valley soils contain caliche, but Anthem is one that does.

Caliche can cause several problems with plant materials.   Depending on the density or water permeation ability, the largest problem is that roots may not penetrate this hard crust.  This allows them to sit in a water bath and causes root rot.  If there is no drainage, chances are that the root systems of trees and shrubs will grow only in the surface areas, causing weakness.  A good, strong wind may topple them.  The other problem is that caliche can hinder the intake of iron and give plants a chlorotic, yellow look resulting in the decline of growth and eventual death.

Your nursery and landscape professionals know the proper process for planting in caliche.  This is one case when sitting back and letting someone else do the work is a good idea.  If you’re a do-it-yourselfer and discover caliche, here are a couple of ways to make your job a success:

1.      Dig a hole as deep as the root ball, and 3 to 5 times its width.  Remove as much caliche as possible and replace with a good soil mix appropriate for what you are planting.
 

2.      If you cannot remove and replace the caliche, dig a hole large enough for the plant’s mature root system.  Then dig smaller holes through the remaining caliche to allow for drainage.  Check for proper drainage prior to planting by filling the hole with water.  If it drains 1 inch per hour, you will have sufficient drainage for your plant.