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Rhode Island

BASE SATURATION - is a measure of the proportion of the total CEC in your soil occupied by the nutrients POTASSIUM,MAGNESIUM,AND CALCIUM.giant pumpkins have been found to have an average base saturation of POTASSIUM 4-8%,MAGNESIUM 10-15% and CALCIUM 70-75%

THE BIG THREE N-P-K (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium)

NITROGEN -needs to be replaced each season
we strive for a nitrogen level in our patches of 20-50 ppm (parts per million). higher nitrogen levels can lead to numerous problems.most being soil and plant disease issues.
better to be lean and mean rather than to fat . you can always side dress later on with a bit of nitrogen if your plants need it.
we add our nitrogen source ( aged manure-etc) in the fall, then test for nitrogen levels again in the spring.
winter rye planted in fall and tilled under in early spring is also an excellent natural source of nitrogen.

PHOSPHORUS - ron and i have found that a level between 25 50 PPM works well.phosphorus does not leach easily from the soil and annual additions of compost will usually be adequate for a seasons growth. if not? you will need to add in early spring bone meal (0-12-0) or triple super phosphate
(0-45-0)

12/26/2011 10:50:59 AM

Baker City Oregon

Thanks for the soil information. My goal this year is to focus on the soil. I have always contended that a healthy soil is essential to have a healthy plant. I have always incorporated organic matter into my soil every year. When it comes to growing GP's though something has been lacking. I see now that neglecting to do a soil test is probably what has been wrong. Not digging deep enough(no pun) on my part. I even dug out an old book I have had for 40 yrs. called Paydirt, written by Rodale himself. Glad I have hung on to it. It's a good read. So what I guess I had better start doing is having regular soil tests done. The only soil tests I do are for ph and clay/sand/organic matter content. Do these myself. Maybe i should get your book too. Thanks again.

12/26/2011 1:21:37 PM

Ashby, MA

What about (0-46-0)? Should we stay away from using it? Or just in small amounts, as needed based on soil test?

1/2/2012 9:32:43 AM

Rhode Island

again the same as any other additive of this strength. use smaller amounts - like 1/2 the reccommended application.

1/2/2012 10:44:17 AM

Novar, Ontario

Not too sure when reading my soil test. Two phosphorus readings given Bicarb and Bray. Which is refered to here?

1/2/2012 10:58:45 AM