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Grittyville, WA

I will be amending just prior to planting. I have had burn issues with granular calcium nitrate and also granular ammonium sulfate too possibly. I think the amount is not the issue I think the granular form is the issue. Do all granulars have a burn issue or would some like lime and phosphorus be safe? I guess the type is what matters? Triple phosphate might burn rock phosphate would not? Anyhow I am thinking of the Steve Daletas idea... If its soluble them apply it evenly by water/mist rather than granules. Any thoughts?

12/28/2018 4:22:17 PM

Grittyville, WA

*then
ps I will get a soil test done and follow the recommendations and I am not set on using cheap chemical fertilizers... I could go with organic ones or timed release. I am just trying to do whats best and make sense of the options available to me.

12/28/2018 4:33:34 PM

Bethlehem CT

Synthetic fertilizers burn because they are concentrated salts. Water soluble synthetics can burn also if they are too concentrated. Applied in the proper amount neither synthetic granulars not water soluble synthetic fertilizers should burn the plants. Ordinary limestone will not burn as it is slow release. There is a type of lime called quick lime that has been altered to be fast release. Quik lime (hydrated lime) can burn if applied at the wrong rate. Same thing with phosphorous. Natural rock phosphate is not likely to burn. If you use triple super phosphate it has burn potential. Keep in mind too that just because something is organic doesn't mean it can't burn. I could show you the damage that dog urine can do to a lawn as an example, however with most organics it is a lot harder to over apply. (at least in the short term)
If you have concerns with burning I would use the timed release or organic fertilizers like you mentioned. They carry less risk of burning. Keep in mind any nutrient in the wrong amount can have adverse effects on the plant. Just because something can be harmful if misapplied doesn't mean it should be avoided. Look how many growers add boron to their patches. If they screw up the amount and get the boron level above a few parts per million they will have stunted or killed there season. Yet growers persist and still add boron to their patch. You just have to be careful.

12/29/2018 9:48:55 AM

Bethlehem CT

I am not a real big believer in foliar nutrient applications, because it will age the leaves prematurely. Also there has been some research that just because a nutrient can be absorbed in the leaves doesn not mean it will translocate to the roots where it is needed. If the plant's roots can take up the nutrient or element, then it is in a form that the plant can use and it will be able to translocate through out the plant. The plant is designed to be able to take up nutrients through the roots, so naturally that is the best place to put them. My advice to you is don't be afraid of something just because it can do damage. Use caution when applying and you can rest assured that the plants will be fine. Advil and Tylenol can cause severe damage to our bodies if over used, yet we should not be afraid to take them when we are dealing with a blistering head ache.

12/29/2018 9:50:04 AM

Bethlehem CT

I cut and pasted the following from an article that I will provide a link to below.

With plenty of nutrients in the ground, plants evolved to suck them up into roots and then on to the shoots to support functions like metabolism and photosynthesis. But natural selection has dictated that most plants are unable to move the nutrients around in other directions, particularly after they are absorbed into plant tissue.

12/29/2018 10:02:42 AM

Bethlehem CT

https://undark.org/article/nanoscale-connecticut-agricultural-station/

12/29/2018 10:03:43 AM

Grittyville, WA

Thanks!

12/29/2018 3:25:30 PM

Syracuse, NY

Great work, big moon.

12/30/2018 11:39:47 AM