From

Location

Message

Date Posted

FYI Took about two weeks to get results back from Umass by email. They anticipate longer turnaround in near future.
Results
ph 6.7
ph buffer 6.9
nitrogen 22 ppm
organic matter 6.5%
phosphorus 89 ppm
potasium 307 ppm
calcium 1284 ppm
magnesium 367 ppm
boron .8 ppm
mangenese 4.6 ppm
zinc 4.2 ppm
copper .8 ppm
iron 9.8 ppm

Recommedation is for 50lbs limestone per 1000 sf. "A calcite limestone is acceptable since magnesium is high".
1. What is calcite limestone and if 300 is the target for magnesium will the 50lbs of calcite limestone lower the magnesium too much?
2. If 3000 is the target for calcium what will the 50lbs of limestone raise it to? I planned on adding 80lbs of gypsum.
3. If 150 is the target for potassium should I be concerned that it is 307? If so how do I lower it?
Patch size is 1000 sf. I plan on tilling in 5 yds of cow manure when weather permits. Any input is appreciated.

3/18/2004 8:47:36 PM

San Diego

for raising your calcium up, you shouldn't use any lime since your ph is great. Using lime will raise your ph. Use the gypsom to raise your calcium up, 100 lbs per 1000 sq ft would be my recomendation, you could use a little more if you really want to. Your magnesium level should have a 1:5 to 1:10 ratio with your calcium so your not too far off. Good luck, Jim

3/19/2004 12:52:41 AM

Caceres, mid west of Spain

Great soil, you don't need nothing but old aged manure to keep busy the good stuff, and the normal balanced fertilizers.

Carlos

3/19/2004 1:44:03 AM

Montoursville, PA

I agree with Carlos. Now for the things we do not see I would use 10lbs. of Fertrell's Azomite, 10 of corn meal and just 25lbs of an organic based fertilizer because they work and add living support to your manures and composts far beyond and NKP we so commonly look at. All of the above are slow release. If my organic fertilizer did not include kelp I would add 25lbs. of kelp meal.

If you use a foliar minimum program of fish, kelp and molasses that patch should show you nice fruit for sure. It will show you even better fruit as your management skills improve. You are ready to pop out a nice one......good luck.

3/19/2004 9:31:12 AM