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Webster, NY

Just got a soil anaylsis back so I can think about next year.
pH = 6.9
P, K, Mg, Ca were high but not exessive they said

organic matter (manure?) was 5.7% is this good or bad?

Al = 10, Ir = 2, Mn = 21, Zn = 10.2, NO3 = 43 all were # per acre

salts (K x 100000) was 31

They recommended # of 10-6-4 per 100 sq ft of garden.

Does this seem normal to everyone else, and what else should I be doing for next year? Thanks for any advice you guys can give me.

9/13/2002 9:28:57 AM

Webster, NY

sorry, I posted twice by accident.

9/13/2002 9:29:55 AM

Knopp, Germany

steelydave, not the expert here, but, i have read in other posts that the higher the organic matter, the better. i believe the heavy hitters go for somewhere between 15-20%. besides manure, add meaves, compost and a cover crop like winter rye. i can't wait to get ready for next year either!

9/13/2002 9:35:59 AM

Knopp, Germany

okay, so i can't spell, that was "leaves".....newo

9/13/2002 9:36:34 AM

Bemidji, MN

Steely, your PH is looking good at 6.9. Your organic matter is alittle low, but will get higher if you add each year. Last year my organic matter was 23% which makes a nice soil combination. I'd be concerned about your salt levels. Mine was just over 7 and our county ag service rep explained that 7 is borderline here in MN for supporting good growth. He recommended no granular fertilizers added this past season due to their high salt contents. So I stayed with just liquid ferts this year and had best season ever with a 963 and new MN state record. Check with someone in the know about salt levels in your area before going nuts on your plot for next year. Steve

9/13/2002 10:45:23 AM

Webster, NY

Steve, thanks for the advice. I will call the coop on Monday and see what they think...

9/14/2002 9:43:39 PM

My only water source is well water with a pH of 7.8-8.0 is this going to be a hindrence to pumpkin growth?? I plan on attempting my first next year.

Thanks,
Michele

10/10/2002 3:02:48 AM

Webster, NY

I would get a soil analysis done on the area you are going to grow your pumpkin. If the pH is too high, you might have to lower it some.

10/10/2002 7:55:41 AM

Kuna, Id.

PH in the water here is 7-8 also, soil guys told me you have to live with it. You can lower it in your soil but will come back up as you add water. So you have to stay on top of it. Lots of soil test during the season.
Ken

10/10/2002 12:22:02 PM