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South Dakota

I just got my soil test back I am adequate in all the tested micros and not alot of other nutes needed, see the soil test on my diary http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=312801
I want to add humic and kelp to help establish biology in my soil. I want to add a ratio of 5/2 humic/kelp to my 500 sq ft plot. I have on hand 20 lbs of humic and 50 lbs of kelp meal. Any input as to how much of this 5/2 blend can/should I apply? Could this be harmful at all?

4/11/2020 7:31:06 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

My understanding is that the 5/2 ratio recommendation applies to foliar application of Humic/Kelp to achieve the best uptake results.

As far as granular Humic Acid and Kelp meal, I tend to add 100 lbs of Humic Acid and 50lbs of Kelp meal per 1000 sq ft. I also like to put in another 50 lbs of alfalfa meal while I’m at it.

4/11/2020 9:20:37 PM

South Dakota

I was wondering about the 5/2 ratio, I really did not catch the foliar part when I learned about it during the Grower Chat last week.
How fast release is the alfalfa meal?
Am I correct that these amendments onlh need to be scratched into the surface of soil, or do they need worked in deeper?

4/12/2020 8:13:06 AM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Alfalfa meal is like Kelp meal and will benefit your soil immediately. I prefer to rototill everything I add to my pumpkin patch into the top 6” of soil to make sure it will be available in the root zone.

My entire patch will get Kelp meal and alfalfa meal, but my 8 foot planting circle will get a few extra lbs so the main root zone are will have plenty to feed on.

4/12/2020 9:53:48 AM

Organic materials(compost for sure) release their nutrients at about 1/3 each year . Alfalfa meal also contains triacontanol, which is a growth hormone(look it up)

Here is a link to a question about organic release rate
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/MsgBoard/ViewThread.asp?b=3&p=621767

4/12/2020 11:48:55 AM