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Guelph, Ontario

What is the view on using Epsom salt as either soil additive or foliar spray

5/26/2020 6:38:28 AM

North Of The Border

Might have better rresponse under the fertilizing message board. The epsom salts add amgnesium, which is important for chlorophyl, and seed development. So they aee pretty good fro the soil, and as a foliar spray, but foliar, or watering would be better, in my opinion then in the soil, because of how easily they disolve.

5/26/2020 8:55:00 AM

Guelph, Ontario

I'm looking for information, and here as I'm looking for a considered response, not guesses. Yes it provides magnesium, and sulfur. Yes it is used by plant for chlorophyll.

And there is science evidence that it can be absorbed well through foliar spray. But the only science for this was it used in apple orchards with soil very low in magnesium.

I have not seen any science to support any benefit in a soil adequate in magnesium.

5/26/2020 9:41:31 AM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

I don't have any scientific studies, just personal experience. My soil tests always indicate that I need magnesium and sulfur, so I suppose it leaches out of my soil that is silt over sand. I always need magnesium and copper, and boron is needed every other year. I like to use the epsom salt as a carrier for the elements that are used in much lower quantities. I mix them together and spread with my fertilizer spreader. I also mix in kelp meal when my budget allows. I see that as an advantage over trying to dissolve everything and spraying it.

5/26/2020 12:39:02 PM

Central Illinois

you need magnesium (Epsom salts) just as much as you do N-P-K, the plant just needs it is lessor amounts.I would say nearly every decent grower uses Epsom salts

5/27/2020 5:52:42 AM

Guelph, Ontario

Any responses to this article?

https://research.wsulibs.wsu.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/2376/13108/FS308E.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

My soil test shows Mn at a very high level, Yet I see people recommend adding , or spraying with Epsom salt regardless of soil test.

5/27/2020 11:21:23 AM

Lakewood, WA

Informative article, irischap!

I added Epsom salts according to the results of my soil tests, which always indicated that I needed it, lol! I would be concerned about excessive amounts if I added it to the soil and sprayed it on too.

Seems like pumpkins pull quite a bit of magnesium out of the soil for a trace mineral.

5/27/2020 3:59:43 PM

Guelph, Ontario

I looked at tissue analysis of pumpkins, fruit and leaves.

They are high in Mg.

But most soils have an adequate amount. The Cation Exchange capacity (CEC) as a standard part of soil test, also includes Mg as a percentage of CEC capacity. So that is where to see if you have enough.

What is indicated in CEC is mobile and available to plant. Not tied up in an immobile form.

5/28/2020 8:49:00 AM

Central Illinois

Plants can almost have as much magnesium in their tissues as they do phosphorous. If your soil is lacking MG add it ,if the levels in your soil are ok dont add more. It depends on the ratios of MG and other nutrients

5/29/2020 7:04:25 AM

Guelph, Ontario

Yes, if a soil test shows it to be low add it. But

Is Epsom salt best way, or most efficient ?

If high, as in my soil, just adding it (magnesium or Epsom salt) will damage soil.

5/29/2020 12:26:01 PM

Watlington, UK

Instead of Epsom salts, which is just MgSO4, try an application of foliar Mg chelate instead

6/11/2020 1:56:09 PM