|
| I had my soil tested by a lab and this is what's reported:
Organic Material = 7.4% (very high)
I don't see a Nitrogen rating, but I assume that if I am getting a fairly high Organic material, Nitrogen won't be an issue? Is Phosphorous low because the PH is high? I am thinking that if I put Phosphate rock down, it would also increase the PH, I am reluctant to put down sulfur since I am afraid that I'll get it wrong and mess up the yard. One though was to put some compost down that are around 7.0 PH. Perhaps that will lower the PH of the soil overtime? Paul |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| if I am getting a fairly high Organic material, Nitrogen won't be an issue? Depends on what type of organic matter you have and what stage of decomposition it is in. i.e. a fresh biosolids compost = oodles of nitrogen. On the other end of the spectrum, fresh raw wood chips = huge nitrogen draw. Is Phosphorous low because the PH is high? I am thinking that if I put Phosphate rock down, it would also increase the PH I am reluctant to put down sulfur since I am afraid that I'll get it wrong and mess up the yard. One though was to put some compost down that are around 7.0 PH. Perhaps that will lower the PH of the soil overtime? |
|
| gargwarb has provided a comprehensive answer to you questions. I will chime in to say that a pH of 7.5 is NOT high. An ideal pH might be 6.5 but that might only provide a marginal improvement in plant growth. Soil pH naturally decreases as you grow plants. It is part of the process known as Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC). When the plant takes up a cation such as Ca++, the plant has to give up two cations to maintain a charge balance. The cation given up is H+. As you may know, an increase in H+ is an increase in acidity or a lowering of the pH. Over time your soil will become more acidic. But while you wait for that to happen, crack a cold one and enjoy your garden. |
|
| Yep, good point. A lower pH would improve nutrient availability but 7.5 isn't all that high and most stuff will be just fine in the mean time, especially vegetables. |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Soil Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.