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Location

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I. Falls, Minn

I should have gotten a soil test a long time ago. I’ve been adding steer compost to break up my clay soil. Now it seems everything is too high. http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryView.asp?season=2016&grower=73111&action=L In order to balance my base sat. I think I need to raise my calcium. Using the soilestimator ,if I add 225lbs gypsum it will also raise my sulfur 1754ppm or I could also use 2 quarts liquid gypsum. I don’t know what is worse; adding that much sulfur or adding chloride. If it wasn’t my high tunnel, I would probably use a cover crop and try to bring everything down. Any ideas?

11/19/2016 10:47:18 AM

I. Falls, Minn

I tried to wait until I could till in nutrients before I removed the plastic from my high tunnel. I waited too long, 6in. of snow. It is supposed to be sunny tomorrow so it’s coming off. The more I try to figure out soil the more confused I get. I’m afraid by adding anything, I might make things worse. I’m lost.I would appreciate any suggestions.

11/20/2016 11:51:58 AM

Central Illinois

For $45 some people use this, Soil Fertility Rx at

http://soilminerals.com/soiltestservices.htm

11/20/2016 2:50:40 PM

Colorado

Add the gypsum to increase your ca+++.Adding that much sulfur is fine.Your goal is to get ca+++/magnesium ratio higher on the calcium side. If you have clay soil its more urgent/helpful than if you have a sandy loam.

11/28/2016 5:57:37 PM

I. Falls, Minn

Thank you. I'll try to find it without paying an arm and leg for shipping.

11/29/2016 9:05:15 AM

Just go to a farm supply store that supplies fertilizers to farmers.
Powdered gypsum is very cheap.

11/29/2016 11:47:23 AM

I. Falls, Minn

Thanks. Nearest farm supply is 80miles,but everything is 100mi. from the Falls. No big deal, we're use to traveling for everything.

11/30/2016 8:49:00 AM