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Ironton, ohio

Should a grower lay off using manure for a season if they have inflated phosphorus numbers? 25lbs/acre in Jan.- 633lbs/acre come Oct. Cover cropped with fescue. Will test again in spring to rule out contaminated 2nd sample. Side note soil structure is clay needs something to fluff it into more workable soil. Any and all thoughts are welcome.

12/16/2020 10:18:54 PM

Colorado

phos. gets really tied up and needs mychorryzae and heavy mineralization to get into a plants roots.If you need manure for other effects I wouldnt worry about the extra phos.

12/16/2020 10:59:28 PM

Grittyville, WA

What's your ph? That could affect what happens to the phosphorous and what amendments you might be wise to use.
Later this summer a tissue test could help you decide how you want to tweak your soil. I realize that doesnt help much right now.

12/17/2020 12:07:13 AM

Grittyville, WA

I have one area that I added phosphorous and I already regret it because I know that manure can have plenty. In commercial agriculture they use small amounts close to the seedling. I think they use ammonium phosphate. Getting off topic, sorry. I hope you figure it out.

12/17/2020 12:14:53 AM

Bethlehem CT

Here are my thoughts and ramblings on manure in the garden.
My understanding of phosphorous is the same as cojoes and agree with his advice. Most native unammended soilin my area tests relatively high in phosphorus but that doesn't mean that it is in a form available to the plant.
It seems many or most top growers are hesitant to use manure for other reasons, it is thought to increases the chance for some diseases.
I am not sure if this has been proven or not in scientific studies (Any grower who has any research done on this I would love to see it.) Understanding what factors cause disease is not simple. Soil interactions are fascinating and so much is going on that it is hard to know exactly what interactions are occurring in the soil. ( soil biology is somewhat analogous to the human gut)
Other factors play an important role in contracting soil born disease and perhaps the manure is what gets blamed as it is the most obvious cultural practice. Other soil born factors like Too much water in soil, high salts, macro/micro nutrient deficiencies etc all weigh in to the manifestation of disease..
I still use manure in my garden when I have it.
To improve soil tilth with other types of organic matter you can use Leaf compost or use peat moss also. Some growers incorporate non carbon based ammendments such as perlite, pumice, vermiculite, sand, gypsum to improve soil tilth. In my opinion nothing is better than composted organic matter whether it be from manure, leaves, hay, wood chips etc.

12/17/2020 9:54:55 AM

Nampa

Yes, if your phos is high don't add more manure. High phos will tie up micronutrients and make life more challenging.

12/21/2020 10:49:39 AM