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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Friday - September 03, 2004

From: Plano, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Soils
Title: Smarty Plants on caliche
Answered by: Damon Waitt

QUESTION:

I have heard of sand, silt, clay, and loam, but what is caliche?

ANSWER:

According to the Arizona Department of Agriculture, Caliche is a layer of soil in which the soils has been cemented together by lime (calcium carbonate). Caliche typically occurs in desert or semi-arid areas.
 

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