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Williamsburg,KY

Well, I got one of my soil tests results. Can someone help explain what I need to know.

Phosphorus 10
Potassium 89
Soil pH 6.9
Buffer pH 7.0
Calcium 3146
Magnesium 182
Zinc 3.0
Organic Matter 2.44%

CEC (meg/100g) 12
% Base Sat 64
%K 1
%Ca 57
%Mg 6
%H 36

Thanks for any help..Croley

3/17/2008 10:14:34 AM

Kevinstinindians@yahoo.com

The pH is perfect and so is the calcium. You need to add some OM. I'd go with compost or fresh cow manure ASAP. How much depends on what you use, but a couple inches on top of the ground should be safe. What do you have available in your area?

The CEC is a bit low, but it will come up with more OM. You could also add humic acid that will help with the low CEC.

The base saturations are a bit off as well. K and Mg are too low for my taste. I'd use sulfate of potash(0-0-50) to raise the K. And some epsom salt to raise the Mg. I'd also use a litte calcium nitrate for some early season N. With the low OM you'll probably be running low on early season Nitrogen.

3/17/2008 11:02:57 AM

Greensburg Pa

I for got my om was 5.3%. Sorry... Thanks tim

3/17/2008 2:50:59 PM

Greensburg Pa

Oops wrong place

3/17/2008 2:51:19 PM

Williamsburg,KY

Thanks PA Punkin, I still have two other soil samples Im waiting on..This is a brand new area I thought I might use, its now hay field. The only plus is that it is close to water. As for OM, Im working on getting some manure once the ground is not so muddy. Thanks, I will get some humic acid also. As for the potash, I'll have to work on that, the epsom is easy. As or calicun nitrate, I believe I have some nitrogen somewhere in the barn. thanks for your help. Croley

3/17/2008 10:03:40 PM

Farmville, Virginia (mfowler@hsc.edu)

Way to late to be adding "fresh manure". Not enough time for it to break down. Find some good aged manure instead.

3/18/2008 4:20:36 AM

Williamsburg,KY

Thanks hoots dirt, I will be getting aged manure...you are right, too late for fresh..thanks for thinking of me....Croley

3/19/2008 8:16:36 AM