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Issaquah, WA

Hi I just got my results back from the lab on my soil. I have a 215 sq/ft patch, which is the largest area I could get. Any help would be greatly appriciated.

Here are the results:

pH: 7.1
Phosphorus (P) 220 ppm
Potassium (K) 1267 ppm
Calcium (Ca) 2378ppm
Magnesium (Mg) 369 ppm
Organic Matter 7.6%

The lab reccomends adding the following:
7.2 ounces of N
2.4 ounces of P2O5
4 ounces of K2O

I know I have wayyyy to much potassium. Any suggestions for correcting pH and the reamaining nutrient levels are most welcomed.

4/30/2010 8:22:20 PM

Issaquah, WA

I created this growing area this year and carted in yard after yard of dirt. I ran this test after the dirt had sat for two weeks and I got the above results. I know its late to get started on amending the soil but better late than never right? I am really excited about trying to grow giant pumpkins. This is my first year trying to grow a massive orange beauty.

5/1/2010 12:04:50 AM

Midwest

P&P Welcome to the family! Alot of growers try to balance their soil. Usually the Calcium to potassium ration to shoot for is 7-10:1. Because your Ca is 2378, your potassium should be around 237. instead, you have 1267. That means either lots of K was added recently or it's just occurs naturally in your area. Your not in Flordia so I don't know why this would be? Regardless, it would be nice to bring that soil into balance by adding some Ca. For that size patch, maybe 10-15lbs gypsum in addition to what the lab recommends. I can see why the lab told you to add K2O but you can ignore its affects on Ca. Ca would be locked up and you wouldn't be helping your soil at all. Have you added organics yet? ie. compost, leaves, humic acid, alfalfa meal, kelp...

5/1/2010 9:52:10 PM

Midwest

Sorry, I meant to say, 'you can't ignore its affects on Ca'.

5/1/2010 9:53:11 PM

Issaquah, WA

Will do. Added to the patch and now its planting time!

5/2/2010 3:09:35 PM