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Location

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Huntsburg,Ohio

I checked my ph and it is 6.0 is that good or should i add the lime i got the other day. Clinton

4/17/2003 10:58:12 AM

Montoursville, PA

7.0 is your target. What someone will need to know is the size of your patch, nature of the tilth and when the last test was taken and have you added anything since the test. With that data several here can answer your question.

4/17/2003 4:37:24 PM

Chesterfield, MO

Not to take away from your thread killer but I have a question too. If I have a Ph of 7.2 is it worth fussing about and would I still have time to apply the sulfur w/o any negative effects (i.e. burn)? My soil test results say add 8 pounds sulfur per 1000 sq ft. Any opinions appreciated!

4/17/2003 10:18:37 PM

Montoursville, PA

I would load in some peat moss to help with water retension and humis building. 7.0 is a target. Add some molasses or honey 4 ounces to a gal. of water and work it up to go. You look to be in pretty good shape. Calcium ratio about ten to one? Feed 'em kelp on Monday and fish on Friday. They will be huge Catholic babies for you....if you get them through all the other games we have to play.

4/17/2003 11:20:56 PM

Cumming "In the Middle O' Iowa"

I have what could possibly be a silly question, can I use my fish tank ph test stuff to test my soil ph? If so how would I do it? Thanks.

4/17/2003 11:52:50 PM

Caceres, mid west of Spain

Yes you can. Take a well taken portion of earth, mixing several little samples of different parts, and put a little of the mix in a big jar with rain water, more water than earth. Shake it and let the earth drop to the bottom. Wait an hour more or less and test the pH of the water. The more samples of the patch you take, the better the result will be.
I think any pH between 6.5 and 7 will be OK. Anyway, you couldn't change the pH of all the soil in a minute, neither in a year. Soils are made of rock and each kind of rock tends to have its particular pH. Soils tend to return to their natural acidity and if yours is not neutral, you have to add some amendments each year. If you do it propperly, soil levels will adjust to the desire pattern, but slowly.
I know what I am talking about, I unfortunately killed two old big olive trees changing pH soil too fast; never will happen again, I hope. Soil is a living thing, has its feelings.

Don

Don

4/18/2003 12:56:43 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Clinton, You can start moving the pH in your favor. Hydrated lime is very fast. But use a light touch this close. Or use 35-50 lbs./M of high quality peeltized lime & till it in.

MG, apply the sulphur at 4 lbs./M, water lightly, till it in. Use Peatmoss too. Excellent organic additive & will move pH gradually. Just go easy this close to planting.

Steve

4/18/2003 7:56:03 AM