How can caliche be managed? Physical problems associated with caliche can be reduced or eliminated by breaking apart and removing as much caliche as practical when making holes for planting. Holes should penetrate completely through the caliche layer to allow water to drain rapidly.

Does vinegar dissolve caliche?

The most organic method of decomposing Caliche is to use vinegars, Caliche is Calcium carbonate and vinegar will dissolve it just as it does in high school chemistry class. (Remember the rock that bubbled when vinegar was poured on it?)

What is the best way to break up caliche?

Physically break it up

To provide passage for plant roots and water drainage, the caliche layer has to be breached. This means breaking it up with a mattock or rock bar, ripping it with a plow or tiller, removing it with a jackhammer (I'm not kidding), or even using an auger to dig planting holes for trees and shrubs.