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Williamsburg,KY

Hi Everyone, got my second soil test back. Now to make a decision on what area to use. Can someone give me some advise on this soil sample test??
Phosphorus 99
Potassium 581
Soil pH 6.0
Buffer pH 6.8
Calcium 1925
Magnesium 181
Zinc 4.1

CES (meg/100g) 10
% Base Sat 57
%K 8
%Ca 42
%Mg 7
%H 43

Recommendations: 75-80 lb/ac of Nitrogen
and .33 tons of lime/acre

So whats your opinion, please. Croley

3/29/2008 3:36:44 PM

Kevinstinindians@yahoo.com

Your buffer pH is pretty high so you won't need a lot of lime to raise your pH to 7.0, which is what I'd shoot for. 50 lbs of lime /1000 sq ft should get you close. They're only suggesting about 15 lbs/1000' that would only raise you pH a couple tenths of a point.

What is your organic matter at? I'm guessing its low. I'd put a couple inches of compost or manure on too.

3/29/2008 3:53:24 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Too often the soil test lab assumes were are liming a lawn so the rate is low. Tilling 15 lbs into the top 9" isn't going to get you where you want to go. I agree that 50 lbs/1000 sq ft is better. 100 lbs of Gypsum & 10 lbs of sulfate of potash would be good too.

Aged manure/compost is always good if you can find it.

3/29/2008 9:04:17 PM

Williamsburg,KY

Thanks guys, appreciate your time. I dont know why they didnt tell me my OM...guess Im gonna have to call them come Monday. The soil test was for a vegetable garden and I person who filled out my form was new and well, you know how that goes. I have added lots of organic matter in the past, but last year I was short on compost. Is it too late to add lime??? I will get some gypsum and potash, I'll call around and see if I can find it local, sure I can. Again you guys are the greatest..thanks so much for your help...hoping to 'grow em big' this year in KY. Croley Bend

3/29/2008 9:34:30 PM

Williamsburg,KY

Oh one more thing...Tremor, is that 100 lbs gypsum and 10lbs sulfate of potash per 1000 sq feet??

3/29/2008 9:36:20 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Uh huh...It might sound heavy but it's not.

3/30/2008 2:11:48 AM

Greenwood Village, Co

croley i noticed that you said "second soil test" is this the norm? do most get two different test from two different places?

3/30/2008 10:32:05 AM

Kevinstinindians@yahoo.com

Daisy, I believe he has a couple different pieces of land. That was the reason for multiple tests.

When taking a soil test you want to take several small samples from inside the patch from different spots. Then you mix the soil together and send that in for one test. The idea is to give you a look at what your soil lools like on average in that area.

Some do this in the spring and fall, some only do it once a year.

3/30/2008 10:52:07 AM

Williamsburg,KY

Your right PA Punkin'...I tested two different sites. The first one was close to a faucet out in our field..then I got to thinking about coons, possum, deer, rabbits..and thought I should put it closer to the house, that is the reason for another soil test. Im glad I did the second one, this is part of my regular garden also. Guess I needed some ammendments..thanks for your help in understanding my test results. OH yea and Croley Bend is a she..just to let ya know...Croley

3/31/2008 8:43:32 AM

Kevinstinindians@yahoo.com

Sorry Croley, I didn't know you were a female. I would run the ammendments about the same as in the thread from your first test you posted but add in the gypsum and lime.

100 lbs gypsum/1000
50 lbs lime/1000
10 sulfate of potash/1000
5 lbs calcium nitrate/1000 but I wouldn't cover the entire planting area
10-25 lbs kelp meal or 25-50 lbs alfalfa pellets or some of each
10-20 lbs humic acid/1000

3/31/2008 10:47:02 AM

Williamsburg,KY

Thanks PA Punkin'...I will give it my best. Croley

4/1/2008 8:54:20 AM

Williamsburg,KY

Have one more question...should I add some empson salts for magniseum or will the gypsum take care of that?? thanks Croley

4/9/2008 8:47:34 PM