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Newton. KS

Just wondering how to reduce the potassium levels in my garden? The soil test said the level was around 360. The AG man said it should be around 160. So, any help would be appreciated.

3/22/2005 6:29:46 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Need more info. Soil CEC & the "base saturation percentages".

In most cases, adding large quantities of Gypsum will help to leach any such chlorides or salts if combined with huge quantities of water.

For the record: If the "360" is PPM then it could be considered somewhat high. If it's 360 lbs per acre then you're OK as it is.

3/22/2005 7:14:08 PM

Newton. KS

Thanks for the help. The 360 reading is PPM. How much gypsum are we talking about to even things out?

Tried growing a pupmkin last year without a soil test. Ended up with an earth moving 82 pounder.

3/22/2005 10:26:32 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Can you post all of the printed values on the soil test report?

3/22/2005 10:47:53 PM

Newton. KS

What I have is as follows.
pH 7.7
Phosphourus 36ppm
Pottasium 339 ppm
Nitrogen 11ppm
Organic Matter 3.0%

3/22/2005 11:08:01 PM

Puyallup, WA

Problem? How would you like a reading of 1313 ppm? I grew a 1268 with that soil.
However, I'd get that pH lowered if I were you! A 7.7 will "lock up" a lot of the iron so the plant cannot use it.
IMHO...you need to add some manure!!

3/23/2005 1:15:17 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

What is the current Calcium level? Is this a lab report of a home test?

3/23/2005 5:59:49 AM

Newton. KS

Not sure about the calcium level. The test was ran by the Extension office from Kansas Stae Univ. Guess al I paid for was the basic stuff. The issue for me is thta the pumpkin I grew last year seemed to stop growing in August. So, I know the issue is soil related. I agree with Stan. I need manure but getting it is an issue as well.

3/23/2005 8:11:41 PM

Cameron,ontario Team Lunatic

Nairb
Before, my pumpkins stopped growing in August as well until I started using the fish/seaweed. I now foliar feed them every week along with a good root drench one a week. The last two years the pumpkins were growing right up to the weigh offs. I think the problem might be that your plants are running out of nutrients.

Phil

3/24/2005 6:46:12 AM

Cornwall UK.(50N 5W)300ft.

If you want to go down the numbers road I think you need to find out what is causing the high pH.

3/25/2005 1:43:09 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

It doesn't matter if it's high so long as it's balanced along with everything else, the plants shouldn't uptake more than they need.

3/25/2005 9:37:38 PM

Newton. KS

Just wanted to thank everyone for all their insight. I now know what to do to lower my ph.

3/27/2005 8:38:35 AM

Newton. KS

Or was that my potassium? Heck I am lost now.

3/27/2005 8:39:14 AM