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Upa Creek, Mo

I didn't get a test last year, but below are some parts of my results that came in today. Any suggestions on low Ca and K? I also have high iron and zinc (41 and 6.5 ppm) but not sure how much that matters. PH, OM, Boron etc look good. Thanks

Phosphorus
Weak Bray
93 ppm

Phosphorus
NaHCO3-P
88 ppm

Potassium
K
216 ppm

Magnesium
Mg
318 ppm

Calcium
Ca
2086 ppm

Manganese
Mn
2 ppm

2/7/2013 9:57:53 PM

Germany

Hi Luke,
to me the phosphorus looks fine (I wouldn´t add any P at this stage), but some more K could probably help. The Mg/Ca ratio looks fine to me. Check the percentages base saturation (K/Mg/Ca) and compare with some of the results reported here:

http://www.pgpga.com/article_SoilStudy.htm

Also, looks like you need a good load of Mn (either for your soil or as multiple foliar applications). Don´t worry about your Fe and Zn levels. Mine are 52 and 88 ppm, respectively (yes, my Zn is 88, not 8.8!) and it was still fine for the production of some little pumpkins.

2/8/2013 4:12:44 AM

Upa Creek, Mo

Thanks, I was hoping the compost I get wasn't bad with the zinc and iron. What about Calcium? I assume I might have to raise the Mg level a bit too if I raise the Ca. I had a split on my only pumpkin last year and the low Ca was probably a big factor.

2/8/2013 8:14:17 AM

Germany

my calcium was 1200 ppm in 2011 and 1600 ppm in 2012. Therefore, I guess that 2000 ppm can´t be tooooo low.

2/8/2013 10:16:35 AM

Upa Creek, Mo

According to the article, high unbroken down OM can be associated with splits. I'm at 13% and I bet I was much higher last year since I added so much compost. I might just add some 0 0 50 now and see what I can grow.

2/8/2013 10:24:54 AM

Germany

that should work. Use the soil calculator, and you´ll see how much 0 0 50 you´ll have to add. Also, you´ll see the final K/Mg/Ca cation saturation percentages to have an impression if a little amount of one of the others (Mg or Ca) would be required for a better balance.

2/8/2013 10:49:46 AM

President - GPC

Luke,

Check this site out! Great stuffZ here...You will learn about all of it....The Ideal Soil Book, a must have....for everyone... 65% Ca, 15% Mg, 5% K.. Ca to Mg 5 -1 ration. The book has it all!

http://www.soilminerals.com/

2/8/2013 11:30:02 AM

President - GPC

Also....

http://thenewagriculture.blogspot.com/

Knowledge iZ poundZ

2/8/2013 11:32:02 AM

Torrance, Ca.

Read both of those Luke, soooooo much good good info!


Balance, Balance, Balance.........................

2/8/2013 5:01:08 PM

President - GPC

http://www.soilminerals.com/AgricolaI.htm

This interview I really loved as well. Dont forget the AG library....too happy reading....

2/8/2013 5:20:23 PM

Omaha, Ne.

Great stuff thanks Private WIZ

2/8/2013 5:38:02 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

Thanks, Private Maggot! Soon you will be Lieutenant Fly.

2/8/2013 6:24:31 PM

President - GPC

....lol

2/11/2013 10:12:33 AM

Upa Creek, Mo

lmao, Wiz. Please just don't use me to catch Bluegill.

2/13/2013 7:34:53 PM