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San Luis Obispo Ca

I have tilled in Steer Poo at the depth of 6" coverage. Any suggestions on what else? Make this easy for a second season grower to understand please, Happy New Year!

12/31/2003 4:33:02 PM

C N Y

a soil sample would be the next step, if not actually the first step in soil conditioning---i don't know what to do or how long to wait if the manure has already been applied
though. i'm usually scampering in front of the tractor
at the VERY last second to get a few shovelsful of the soil before the manure hits. perhaps the next few responses will clarify this for us, and the soil sample, once tested, will indicate to you what your soil actually NEEDS---most times a pH adjustment is necessary, and the addition of lime or sulphur to adjust it, but the soil test will tell all.
please do NOT just go blindly adding amendments that are not organic, and universally known to be helpful, for this may actually put it out of balance or even further if it
already was...i hope this helps! eric/'pal2

12/31/2003 4:55:26 PM

San Luis Obispo Ca

What PH level is best?

12/31/2003 8:29:09 PM

Spokane, WA

If you are still able to till the ground. Adding some shreaded leaves wouldn't hurt.(If you have some) it's to raise the humus levels of the soil.

I added about 6" of leaves over my whole patch then ran over them with the lawn mower. After that I tilled it all in.

12/31/2003 8:52:57 PM

Montoursville, PA

We are fortunate to be able to work and play in our patches this Christmas season here in the Northeast.

Manures and other amendments added need to work within your soil for about four to five months before you can get a soil test that is worth the investment of any amount of money.

I would get a cover crop of hairy vetch, clover or winter rye on top of your recent additions. Let them grow until one month minimum before you plan to place seedlings in the patch. If you do not have time to do that go ahead and plant but wait until after your growing season to take the first soil test. You can hardly make meaningfull PH or any other kind of serious adjustments right in the face of planting.

On the other hand the manures and leaves you just placed will begin to process themselves slowly according to soil temperature. Humus will be created and humic acids will flow if not at the fastest highest rate it will still be working for you right now. You have begun a most important step in soil building.

12/31/2003 9:25:41 PM

Montoursville, PA

PH generally believed to be best is between 6.5 and 7.2 It takes months to make an adjustment. Go ahead and run with the simple organic start you have. Test immediately after the season. Six inches of manure may cause you to need foliar fish/kelp and molasses because it can tie up early nitrogen. Relax....what you have done is a heck of a good start. Two months from now you should be looking pretty good.

12/31/2003 9:31:47 PM