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| Hi--
I am having a real problem with clover and black medic (medicago lupulina) in my garden. Since these are both nitrogen-fixers, I am wondering if this means that my soil is nitrogen poor? If so, what can I add organically to boost the nitrogen content? Any information appreciated. Thank you! |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by dan_staley USDA 5/S 2b (My Page) on Mon, Jun 29, 09 at 17:38
| Since these are both nitrogen-fixers, I am wondering if this means that my soil is nitrogen poor? Maybe but not necessarily so. Before boosting any content of any nutrient, you should be sure there is a deficiency. Dan |
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| Since Black Medic grows best in poor soils the place to start a control program would be with a good, reliable soil test. Contact your local office of the University of Wisconsin USDA Cooperative Extension Service about having one done since your soils pH as well as any nutrient deficiency may be affecting this growth. Along with that soil test dig in with these simple soil tests, 1) Structure. From that soil sample put enough of the rest to make a 4 inch level in a clear 1 quart jar, with a tight fitting lid. Fill that jar with water and replace the lid, tightly. Shake the jar vigorously and then let it stand for 24 hours. Your soil will settle out according to soil particle size and weight. A good loam will have about 1-3/4 inch (about 45%) of sand on the bottom. about 1 inch (about 25%) of silt next, about 1 inch (25%) of clay above that, and about 1/4 inch (about 5%) of organic matter on the top. 2) Drainage. Dig a hole 1 foot square and 1 foot deep and fill that with water. After that water drains away refill the hole with more water and time how long it takes that to drain away. Anything less than 2 hours and your soil drains’ too quickly and needs more organic matter to slow that drainage down. Anything over 6 hours and the soil drains too slowly and needs lots of organic matter to speed it up. 3) Tilth. Take a handful of your slightly damp soil and squeeze it tightly. When the pressure is released the soil should hold together in that clump, but when poked with a finger that clump should fall apart. 4) Smell. What does your soil smell like? A pleasant, rich earthy odor? Putrid, offensive, repugnant odor? The more organic matter in your soil the more active the soil bacteria will be and the nicer you soil will smell. 5) Life. How many earthworms per shovel full were there? 5 or more indicates a pretty healthy soil. Fewer than 5, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, indicates a soil that is not healthy. |
Here is a link that might be useful: UW CES
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