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San Diego

I have been doing a lot of research on the adequate levels of nutrients in soil for Atlantic Giants. I have found this site which I have been using and most of you probably have seen:

http://www.pgpga.com/article_SoilStudy.htm

...but now I am confused. When I go through all the test results on the message board and read the recommendations, I find people saying lots of different things and quoting different sites...

Like this one: http://www.ipga.us/GPNL.pdf

Or they give different levels of nutrients such as boron which I though was pretty toxic by the time it reached 2 ppm. The site I have been looking at says that potassium is best around 540-550, but then I go through the grower diaries and look at other people's results, I see that Western Labs thinks that this is too high and its better in the 250 range if I remember correctly. What do you guys think about this? What do the top growers like to see on their test results? And lastly, what should the ratios be between most of the nutrients?
I am not going to get a massive pumpkin as a beginner, but I would like to know where to aim...

3/27/2015 4:29:18 PM

San Diego

Oops...insert a "t" into "though"

Someone recommends the boron level at 3.5 ppm, but I thought this was WAY to high, compared to what I read.
Most people on here also say calcium should be at 2500, but many say 3000, and the article from Western Labs says 1400-2000 ppm. the amount of copper is different between the two. The amount of Manganese, Boron, Sulfur, Zinc, and just about everything else...all different, and by a large amount.

3/27/2015 5:43:52 PM

Torrance, Ca.

The best grower down here lives in your town,,, hopefully he'll chime in. I know his K numbers and there off the chart and he does very, very well. I bet the first thing he would tell you is, make sure to have a good plan in place for the heat you get there...

Make it simple and you will do great!!

3/27/2015 5:52:22 PM

San Diego

There are two reasons I failed last year. The plant started pretty slow because I did not get a soil test done, then it out grew the tiny little shade cover which was all I could afford. The sun finished it fast.
Trust me...I will be prepared for those problems this year.

3/27/2015 6:05:06 PM

Colorado

Get a good soil test. I like western labs parma idaho. Dont get to hung up on specific levels/numbers. balance is more important. The most important basics are your calcium magnesium ratio. Ph and any glaring deficiencies. western gives good recommendations and a accurate cec for alkaline soils which youre gonna have in your area.

3/27/2015 10:30:12 PM

Colorado

also 3.5 boron is just fine

3/27/2015 10:31:12 PM

Torrance, Ca.

You get to bother Harry and John with all your questions to cojoe:)

3/27/2015 10:46:38 PM

San Diego

I already paid for a soil test, that is why I am asking this question. I also know that the balance is more important...I have been researching hour after hour for weeks on this subject.

My problem is Western Labs is saying one thing, the soil study site says another. Some say that a boron level of 3.5 ppm is getting on the toxic side, and you say its ideal. The fact that you are successful in soils with 3.5 ppm boron proves something. But if there is an ideal amount of all the different nutrients that allows the plant to grow to its full potential, why does everyone say something different?

3/27/2015 11:11:36 PM

San Diego

Lol...I think I am beginning to understand it just by asking.

Oh well...

3/27/2015 11:13:20 PM

San Diego

Harry and John?

3/27/2015 11:15:34 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Always stick with the same soil testing lab, otherwise you end up chasing something that is not obtainable.

Soil testing is like tasting soup with an eye dropper. You are testing a miniscule portion of the entire mass.

The method of obtaining the sample is also very crucial.

3/28/2015 10:03:14 AM

Partlow,Va

Very good point Linus. I messed one up before and it threw me off for a while.

I know what you are talking about with Western Labs Nutrient Level sheet(link above) not matching their own soil report recomendations. The sheet is older and outdated I guess. I printed one and have red-inked it to adjust the numbers to match what my soil likes. I have used WL in Parma for 2 years and I like them but sometimes I use my own ratios to add the amendments.
Like cojoe said you need to be balanced and keep your ratios right no matter how high the ppms go. Boron at 3.5 is ok. It leaches out over time pretty quickly and if you have high Ca you need the Boron. Some ratios that I shoot for are... Ca:B = 200-900:1; Ca:Mg = 6-20:1; Ca:K = 10-15:1; Mg:K = 2:1 . I am no expert and live on the other side of the country but hope this helps you out some.

3/28/2015 11:44:29 AM

San Diego

So.Cal.Grower, Can you give an example for Jim Fedricks potassium levels being "off the charts?" I know potassium is a problem here, but mine are crazy.

4/8/2015 9:35:09 PM