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western PA

I sent in an early soil test in preperation for next year already. I work at an environmental lab, and can do all the tests myself but I wanted to send it in to get a guideline as to what to look for and what things should be. Any help is appreciated guys.

Soil pH = 6.1
P = 406 lbs/acre
K = 674 lbs/acre
Ca = 2158 lbs/acre
Mg = 342 lbs/acre
S = 44.0 lbs/acre
B = 2.0 lbs/acre
Cu = 4.2 lbs/acre
Fe = 594 lbs/acre
Mn = 194 lbs/acre
Zn = 14.0 lbs/acre
Na = 40.0 lbs/acre
Nitrate Nitrogen = 24 lbs/acre
Organic matter = 3.6%
Cation Exchange Capacity = 7.5 meq/100g
Cation saturations are:
%K = 10.8
%Ca = 56.8
%Mg = 17.5
%H = 14.0
%Na = 1.20
and the K:Mg ratio is 0.61

Once again, Thanks, David.

9/9/2006 10:42:35 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

I would apply 150 lbs of dolomitic limestone for now plus as much aged leaf compost & manure as you can find.

I'd leave the P & K alone for now. Adjusting the potash will depend on what type of manure you find (horse is higher than cow), how much you use, etc.

Another basic test done in March would then permit for real fine tuning after these amendments have done their job.

9/9/2006 2:35:45 PM

western PA

I have as much manure as I want, just have to clean out the barn.
I also have a large pile sitting outside of the barn that is two years old.

What should the P&K values be at the start of next spring?

My patch size is about 60' X 120'

Thanks for the help, as all help is appreciated.

9/11/2006 8:38:33 AM

western PA

Also, could anyone give me the info as to what each of these values should be, in order to grow these giant pumpkins?

9/14/2006 8:23:44 AM

Puyallup, WA

AG's are heavy feeders. I'd add 4-6" of that aged manure this fall for starters and then till it into the soil.

9/15/2006 12:42:26 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Soil scientists & agonomists never print "ideals" because the grower then spends more time growing himself a headache than growing plants. Soil nutrient levels are constantly in flux.

Get your pH up to 6.6-7.2, then add the manure & test again. Based on the good start you have right now you should land right in the "range".

9/15/2006 7:42:24 AM