I was skeptical, but did as he suggested. Dug a hole (about a foot
deep) around each ground rod, drove the rods in a bit deaper, poured
in a generous helping of rock salt, and then watered the area long
enough for the salt to spread into the soil.

Of course, the radio was fine immediately after adding the water, but
the real test was the next day once the water drained away. The radio
did operate just fine that next day, and the day after that. In fact,
the rock salt added to the soil (more added every two to three months)
resolved the problem entirely the remainder of my time at that
location.


The professionals use something like bentonite or montmorillion clay
(kitty litter) as a soil admixture. The stuff is like a sponge and
holds the water real well (by surface tension) and is very ionic as
well, so the conductivity is good. You have to be careful, because too
much causes an expansive soil problem.