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maine USA

For pumpkins, my county extension recommends the organic matter % should be in the 5-8% range. On this website, I have seen recommentions that are considerably higher than this usually twice to three times as much. That is a considerable difference. What gives???? thanks KathyT

10/22/2006 8:30:32 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

We are all insane.

Your county extension agent is concerned with responsible agronomy to which we don't subscribe. But then again, a decent extension extension agent would also have trouble paying $550 for a single seed too.

10/22/2006 11:23:10 PM

maine USA

As always, you do have a point. LOL

10/23/2006 1:22:59 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Kathy, most of us like to see levels above 10% and several 1,ooo pounders are produced annually in soils above 20%. The OM number usually depends upon the CEC level and your soils composition. If your CEC is below the 20% range consider adding OM to boost the holding capacity of your soil. Clay, loamy soils with higher CEC's will do very well for an AGP with levels that are 5 to 8% OM.

10/23/2006 1:40:17 PM

Montoursville, PA

And strange as strange may be by adding as little as half an ounce of Humic Acid to a 1000 sq. ft. patch can cause tied up elements to be converted and available for plant use. Don't take my word for this read up on your own.

11/1/2006 8:24:10 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Yep.

11/1/2006 11:10:59 PM

maine USA

I think that saw Humic Acid for sale at the the new organic growers store not too far from me. Is it too strong to use in compost tea, for soil and leaf drench, or does it need to be sprayed directly on the soil? Particular elements, or whatever is tied up?

11/2/2006 12:18:46 AM

Rhode Island

kathy

we grew some impressive pumpkins this past season with basicly a organic program, 8% organic matter, additions of humic acid,( applied with a seed spreader on top of soil then tilled in ) kelp meal, ( likewise spred on top of garden ) alternating fish @ kelp or soil soup sprays once a week.

we trust the experts at u mass and a soil specialist we have been dealing with this past year.

your soil needs not be fat, but it needs to be balanced. all nutrients must be available to the plant as needed, nothing tied up because of an excess in any one item.
**** the most important thing to remember and the #1 reason why we fail in reaching our goals.

best advise i can give anyone is to think organic when at all possible, dont get your soil to fat, seek advise from experts in the field of soil and crops

pap

11/2/2006 7:55:49 AM

excellent advice pap,,,I have been watching the posts here all year and see that ppl are "overthinking" and "overdoing" most of the time

11/2/2006 8:19:14 AM

maine USA

thanks Pap, I have done the kelp meal and will be getting some more rockweed, pretty soon.

11/2/2006 1:12:34 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

ROFLOL...pap, tug, dick, talkin bout soil beein too "FAT"...don't think I have that term here!!! Peace, Wayne

11/2/2006 10:30:18 PM