From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Results of my first soil test on my new garden are posted below. Up to 2 months ago this area was nothing but Spruce trees. It was cleared, stumped, and this is the analysis. Manure will be added when I can get it, but regardless, the area needs help. Any suggestions?

PH: 5.1
OM: 1.9%
P2O5: 80 kg/ha
K2O: 86 kg/ha
Ca: 355 kg/ha
Mg: 117 kg/ha
Na: 38 kg/ha
Sulfur: 102 kg/ha
Fe: 253 ppm
Mn: 49 ppm
Cu: 1.48 ppm
Zn: 3.0 ppm
B: 0.11 ppm
Salt: 0.06 mhos x 10^-3
CEC: 4.7 meq/100gm
Base Sat.
K: 1.9%
Ca: 18.7%
Mg: 10.3%
Na: 1.7%
H: 67.4%

The recommendation I was provided is to load up on 5-10-5 at 28kg/100 sq. meters. I'd like some more long term suggestions if anyone has any for me. Thanks everyone.

8/15/2007 7:53:30 PM

Clayton, Ohio, USA

For starters, I would recommend that you get lime (CaCO3) worked in this fall. The PH of your soil appears to be too acidic. Lime can take awhile to work, so I wouldn't wait until spring to apply it.

8/21/2007 9:14:00 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Transplant, if I remember correctly, most of the heavy duty guys, have soil ph between 6.5 and 7.5, and OM at 8% or above. I am no expert, and will prove it by my question!!! LOL what does kg/ha stand for...I know kg, but what is ha? half acre? Also thinking your Ca ratio needs to come up a bit??? Remember now, I aint no pro!! Hopefully some of them will chime in!! Peace, Wayne

8/21/2007 12:59:11 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Lots of manure and compost...OM at less than 2% is a problem for any fruit or vegetable to grow in.

Start there and do another soil test in the spring.

8/27/2007 12:22:05 AM

Nova Scotia

ryan give me a call sometime i can help you the phone number is 902-538-1425
Jeff

8/27/2007 7:31:55 AM

Picton,ON (j.vincent@xplornet.ca)

ha stands for Hectare, which is 2.47 acres in metric!

Did the lab provide a buffer PH? This is a measurement to determine the appropriate amount of lime required to bring a soil from a given PH to the target PH, usually 6.5.
I would suggest you likely need about 100 lbs/ 1000 ft2 of Dolomitic lime, if you can find it. If you go to a feed store, you can purchase a product called “B” Lime, which is granular feed grad Dolomitc lime and is quite cheap. Alternately most pelletized “Hort Lime” is Dollomitic.

In addition I would try to find some well composted manure or mushroom compost, preferably up to 4-5 tons per 1000 ft2. I would put all this on this fall and plow it in deep if possible. Come spring you will be ready to grow a big one. Late next summer, retest your soil and adjust from there.

8/27/2007 9:06:47 AM

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Thanks guys, I found a source of manure, looking at 30 to 40 yards over 3000 sq.ft. When I know that's coming I'll hit it with a few hundred pounds of lime, till it, and get another test done. Jeff, I sent you an email, I've been kind of busy trying to get the house finished so I can move out of the in-laws, once I get things back to normal I'll give you a call.

8/28/2007 9:23:19 AM