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Hamilton, MT

I am one of the newbies to soil testing and dutifully sent away a sample through the Ag Extention Office to the SVL Lab in WA.

I didn't get all the numbers back that most folks talk about - is there a specific name for the thorough testing?

Anyway, after I'd sent in the sample, I've added
2 loads of dry horse manure,
1 load of dry llama poop,
2 25# bags of hot chicken poop,
6 bags of last years leaves,
about 60 bags of this years leaves - mowed over them,
about 85# of Thermal Cal - (limestone,
3 yards of top soil,
1 bucket of wood ashes,
and 12oz molasses.

Here are the numbers and remarks I received:
OM = 5.5%
NO3-N = 50+ ppm
NO3-N = 100lbs/ac
P = 70 ppm
K = 584 ppm
Sulphur = 13 ppm,
Texture = Loam
CaCO3 (Lime) = slight,
PH = 6.5
Salt Haz. = 1.13
Sodium = 0.5 meq/100
Remarks: “Need gypsum at 7.5#/1000sq.feet. May want to apply 3#/1000sq.feet of urea (46-0-0) in June between plants and irrigate in.”

I'm disappointed I didn't get a Ca ppm, a CEC number or the % of Ca, Mg, K, Na.

My pumpkin patch is about 8500 sq ft and I raise 3-4 plants annually.
Any input and advice would be terrific. I'm real new at this part.
Thanks in advance, Kim

11/9/2003 10:15:01 PM

Montoursville, PA

I would have used one bag of ground limestone...safer slower reacting per 1000 sq. ft. I would use blood meal or feather meal instead of Urea the same three or more pounds per 1000 sq. ft. It won't leach out on you and be wasted. It will carry no objectionable salts to the patch. Gypsum I would have doubled with half now and that much more in the spring. My historical practice for all gardening is to add black strap molasses in the fall at the rate of a quart per 1000 sq. ft and fish/kelp at the rate of 2 or more ounces per 1000 sq. ft. The fish/kelp enzyme relationship to the molassess can not be beat. The rest of the goodies you have added should make you real happy when you see your spring test.

11/9/2003 10:51:57 PM

San Diego, Ca.

Kim, you may want to have your soil tested next time by A&L labs and ask for the "S3C" complete analysis. Their web page is www.al-labs-west.com Oh, and also pay the extra $1 for the graphical sheet.You can find an example of it on their site.Make sure you specify that you want recommendations. All up it will cost you $31.

11/10/2003 9:49:37 PM