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Kalamazoo, MI (Jpwrhse@charter.net)

Still new and would like to see what the experts on here would suggest. I know I need more organic content. Added leaves this fall after taking sample but before I got the results. I'll probably add some lime in the spring to raise the PH a little. Is there anything I can add to raise the PH and OM at the same time? What else could I do to improve my conditions? Thanks in advance.

PH - 6.1
P - 100 ppm
K - 112 ppm
Mg - 89 ppm
Ca - 520 ppm
CEC(OM) - 4.8 meq/100 g

% of Exchangeable Bases
K - 7.9
Mg - 20.4
Ca - 71.6

12/14/2006 10:12:07 AM

Kalamazoo, MI (Jpwrhse@charter.net)

One other thing. I didn't realize when I turned in my test that the micronutrient test was extra. How critical is this? Is this something I should have done,... this year? Should I just wait until next and focus on OM this year?

12/14/2006 10:20:42 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

If you add modest amounts of manure then the micronutrients should fall into line by themself. I do prefer to take a micros test on a new soil just to get a feel for it.

Add the quantity lime that the lab recommended now if you can since it takes time to work.

12/14/2006 10:49:04 PM

Hudsonville, Michigan (michiganpumpkins@sbcglobal.net)

Jesse:
It's warm enough & no snow cover right now to add the lime if you have the time to do it. Also,, some winter rye woudn't hurt anything, though it may not germinate now. Lime will also bring your calcium up. You will want to see your Ca:Mg ratio at 10:1, and your Ca:K ratio at 15:1.
Lots of OM added every fall will bring up all your numbers, including CEC.It does take a few years of building to really get the soil tuned up. (Unless you're the Wallaces who apparently defied all laws of nature by breaking the WR the first year in virgin soil.) For us mere mortals, soil-building should be considered a multi-year plan. Maybe Pap will chime in and give some specifics on how he amended his new patch.
Frank

12/15/2006 7:36:04 AM

Kalamazoo, MI (Jpwrhse@charter.net)

Thanks for the info, I will get out and do the lime while its warm then. I am also lining up my manure for the spring as well but if I can get some now I'll till in some now too.

12/15/2006 10:26:06 PM