From

Location

Message

Date Posted

New York

I sent a soil test to A&L on April 15, and since I haven't yet received the results, I decided to buy one of those cheap Lowes test kits just out of interest, knowing that it's too late to do much of any amending. Apparently, my soil pH is around 5.0, but I'm not sure I trust this kit. What should I do? If true, 5.0 would be way too acidic for my plants, but adding lime while they're growing would also be harmful.

5/31/2010 11:24:05 AM

Pataskala,OH

I don't think they will grow very well with such a low PH. I'm no expert but you probably have to add something IF the PH is actually that low.

5/31/2010 12:52:17 PM

New York

That's what I thought, but again, the test kit doesn't seem very reliable. In fact, after I let it sit a while, its color turned from 5.0 to 7.0.

5/31/2010 12:57:15 PM

Bloomington, IN

Email A&L

5/31/2010 5:22:04 PM

Western PA

Are you in virgin soil without any aged manure ?

I tilled up a new area spot last fall. I took some of the freshly tilled soil to have the ph tested at my local feed store. I also took some of the same soil and mixed some aged horse manure with it, ( about 50/50 mix). They were both tested. The straight soil was 6.6 and the manure/soil was 6.9. I also tested the manure straight and I believe it was 7.2.

So , I would say that adding some aged manure should raise your ph instantly. That is what I observed, and I am not a soil expert like some other people in this forum are.
I would see if you get any more responses on this.

5/31/2010 5:56:05 PM

New York

Will try to email them tonight, but I think I figured out why I haven't received the results.

My soil is mostly unamended, and until two months ago it was part of the lawn. We did put some aged manure on it. I imagine adding manure would increase acidity, but your observations are interesting. Thanks for the comments

5/31/2010 6:19:27 PM