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West Paris Me.

I just got my soil test for part of my pumpkin patch that is under a permanent hoop house. I do this part separately because it does not get rained on. We just spray it for a while in the spring to prevent soluble salts from building up.
My nitrate is very low at 14 ppm, they recommend 100-200.
Ammonium is 15, <10 is recommended. This part of the patch is 300 sq ft. They recommend 6.2 lbs f nitrogen per 1000 sq ft. I have thought about using blood meal, urea, and or alfalfa pellets. I don't want a quick flash of nitrogen then nothing. I would like a good steady source if possible.
Any suggestions will be welcome. thanks, Kathy

4/21/2014 2:08:13 PM

Cincinnati,OH

I use 50 lbs of alfalfa pellets in 1300 sq. ft.
I'm thinking of bumping it up to 80 this year.

4/21/2014 6:34:47 PM

Colorado

Kathy, your soils organic material levels should weigh into your decision. Every 1% of organic material will provide 10% of nitrogen needs through mineralization. If you use urea,ca nitrate,potassiumnitrate or any readily available nitrogen source break it up over 2 or three applications. Fish meal is another good source of nitrogen. You may consider a little chemical nitrogen early when the soil is cool. Organic sources need warm soil for mineralization.

4/21/2014 10:42:35 PM

West Paris Me.

Thank you both very much

4/22/2014 12:00:49 AM