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Cedar Lake, IN.

I have heard too much Phosphorus is bad for growing giant pumpkins. What's the problem with it and what is too high?

5/8/2010 2:45:50 PM

Cedar Lake, IN.

Okay, I found that excess amounts of Phosphorus restricts the availability of Zinc, Manganese & Iron. I still need "excess amounts" defined for growing giant pumpkins.

5/8/2010 7:57:49 PM

Pataskala,OH

Too much of anything is bad.

5/8/2010 9:10:03 PM

Cedar Lake, IN.

Thanks Nic.

5/9/2010 7:46:42 AM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Phosphorous promotes root growth and blossom development and is largely unavailable in most agricultural settings. However, with the bio-additions many Ag growers make, it becomes more available.

Generally speaking, phosphorous levels of 350-500 ppm are preferred and in a balance with potassium.

I became aware of a newer product last year called Avail which makes phosphorous more available and is used primarily in the agricultural sector. I'm giving it a try this year and will monitor root and blossom development very carefully this year. It's pretty pricey stuff at $575.00 for a two-and-a-half, but I was able to secure some through a farmer friend.

Avail comes in two formulations: one for dry fertilizers and one for liquid formulations. I used the dry version at the recommended rate of 1/2 gallon per ton of dry fertilizer and blended it in a five gallon bucket by using a drill-driven paint mixer in reverse.

5/9/2010 8:10:57 AM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

Kurty,
The only way to find out what is too much for your soil is to have your soil tested. Everyones soil is different and the goal is to get your soil balanced or as near to balanced as possible. I've seen tests that showed all levels high, but near balanced and these growers have grown some of the biggest fruit ever grown. The reason to try to balance is that certian mirconutrients can and will tie up others if their respective levels are out of balance.
You need a soil test, thats the first thing every grower should get in my opinion, no recommendations should be made without first knowing what your levels are and what type of soil you have, if someone uis telling you what you need to add without this info, run fast and far.
There are other factors, but armed with these simple pieces of information, you can get pointed in the right direction.

5/9/2010 11:13:08 AM

Cedar Lake, IN.

My soil test indicated my "P" is very high. I think I understand about balancing "K","Mg","Ca".The saturation Cec for these came out okay(7%-24%-69%) Mg being a little high. The problem is, I know very little about "P". Is there a percentage related to K, Mg, Ca, Etc.?

5/9/2010 6:02:43 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

My soil test also came back with phosphorous and potassium levels indicated as "high" but, after conversing with two very reputable growers, I added enough of each to bring my levels to 450 ppm based on the fact that I also have the same type of soil they do. I agree with Tom's comments.

5/10/2010 1:20:54 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Assuming all else is equal to last year, we will see if I screwed up or improved.

5/10/2010 1:22:29 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Kurty,

We should not be feeding the test report. Today's agronomist uses the report to help you "meet the minimums" for the crop you're growing. Better labs have learned that AG growers have elevated yield expectations. Some labs have worked with Heavy Hitters or clubs to gain greater insight to our quest.

Find an experienced lab then stick with them sharing your results with them. You want the lab to feel part of your team.

5/10/2010 5:09:55 PM

Cedar Lake, IN.

Thanks to all!!! believe it or not this helps me.

Tremor,

I use A&L Great Lakes Laboratories out of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Is there a better one that I should use?

5/10/2010 5:57:53 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

I've seen tests reports that have PPM way way over expected max's....as long as they are held in the proper proportions I didn't hear of any bad/adverse effects....I would go with what tremor sez...he has much more info then I could ever decipher from reading these tests.

5/10/2010 6:32:02 PM

Pataskala,OH

I am beginning to realize it is not the PPM but the balance of nutrients. You could have a gazillion PPM of one nutrient but if it is balanced with a gazillion of other nutrients you will probably be fine.

5/10/2010 9:03:56 PM

Cedar Lake, IN.

Has balance been defined? If it has what is it? Or is it what we're trying to discover?

5/10/2010 10:17:32 PM

churchville, ny

I'm not sure where you guys are getting the phosphorous # from!

My April A+L Labs (Modesto) test stated Phos. Weak Bray 75ppm and NaHCO3P as 26 ppm - do you add those together? -

if so, I'm no where near the 350-500 I see described above.

My K is 258ppm (cation sat. 4.6), Mg 244 (14.1)and Ca 2294 (80.6)

Thanks Tom for the info. you sent me.

5/11/2010 11:52:50 AM