From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Western PA

I posted these results a few days ago in general D. board and only received one response. (Thanks Countykid) If I could get some more input on these results about what I am lacking and what I need to add that would be great.
Thank you for your time and help.


Hello all, I just received my soil test back and I need to make some corrections to the soil, I know I prob. should of done this in the fall but time did not permit. I would greatly appreciate some advice on making adjustments!

---SOIL TEST RESULTS----
PH: 6.0

Exchangeable Cations (meq/100g)
Acidity 6.3
k: 0.5
Mg: 1.3
Ca: 6.5
CEC 14.5 this one has a small #4 to the left of it.
There is a small #2 to the upper left hand side of the K,mg,& ca. So I imagine that mean Squared...

%Saturation of the CEC

k: 3.2
Mg: 8.8
Ca: 44.7

OM: was not tested for, but I imagine it is low.

My patch is about 1300sq ft. I currently have a cover crop of winter rye growing on it (The rye is about 4 or 5 inches).

Now I know I need to apply lime asap, The soil report suggested Calcitic Limestone 11lb per 100sq ft. Does this sound right??

I purchased some Calcitic limestone, it is very finely ground like a powder, is this what I should use?

Can I apply the lime and water it in so my cover crop continues to grow or should i scratch the cover crop and get the lime tilled in?

I am also trying to secure a source of aged horse manure right now which I plan on adding.

Once again, your help and Information is greatly appreciated Thanks a lot!!

3/11/2009 10:12:48 PM

Western PA

The Lime I have is "Granular calcitic limestone". I believe the company that makes it is promix. It is very finely milled and is a grayish color.

I know it varies alot on how long it takes to adjust the PH level by what product you use, how it is applied and I'm sure there are a bunch of other factors that I don't know of... If I where To use the "Granular calcitic limestone" and apply it on top of my cover crop and water in asap. then Till it in about 8 inches deep when i till in my cover crop about 4 weeks before planting do you think this is a good plan?? I know it is hard to estimate, but how long do you think it would take to adjust the ph level up?

Also any other advice on soil corrections would be appreciated.

Thank you for the time and information!!

3/11/2009 10:16:51 PM

South East

picker, without ppm is hard for me to read your soil test but my two cents would be to correct the ph, and let the cover crop be. After all the cover crop is there to better your soil, not to grow to its full potential. The advice on the lime sounds goods. i would till it in, because you wil have to do the same with the horse manure, wich you should spread asap, season is closing in. Based on your saturation % i would add some general ammendments without overdoing it. Bloodmeal, bonemeal, sulfur of potasch and some gypsum. There are others but these would cover your basic npks and calcium. In moderate amounts. Kelpmeal would be a good additive to. And a moderate amount of granular humic acid to chelate any fixed nutrients your soil might have.
after season start a good foliar program, containing: soluble or liquid seaweed or kelp, fish, and maybe a calcium chelate (organic) could bring you a long way.
But without your exact numbers on your npks i,m guessing.
Just my two cents, good luck.

3/11/2009 11:16:15 PM

South East

Oh and compost tea ofcourse, you can never have a to healthy soil. ;)

3/11/2009 11:17:55 PM

Western PA

Hello, Thank you for your advice. I sent my soil sample into the university, I guess they don't give there results in ppm.

Thanks again!

3/15/2009 1:14:48 PM