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Orlando, FL

This is my first year for doing a giant, and I chose to do melons. The soil is all new and these are the results I got from the soil test I sent out.

PH 7.8
OM% 20.24

Anions:

Sulfur 66 p.p.m.
Mehlich III Phosphorous 2383 lbs/per acre

Exchangeable Cations:

Calcium 5792 lbs/per acre
Magnesium 981 lbs/per acre
Potassium 3680 lbs/per acre
Sodium 272 lbs/per acre

Base saturation %:

Calcium 58.46%
Magnesium 16.50%
Potassium 19.05%
Sodium 2.39%
Other bases 3.60%
Exchangeable hydrogen 0.00%

Trace elements:

Boron 0.98 p.p.m.
Iron 89 p.p.m.
Manganese 21 p.p.m.
Copper 3.24 p.p.m.
zinc 20.66 p.p.m.
Aluminum 48 p.p.m.

This is what I received back. Any tips for what's wrong and how to fix would be greatly appreciated.

9/28/2015 12:38:37 PM

Orlando, FL

Also forgot to put the 'Total exchange capacity (M.E.) Which is at 24.77. Not sure what that is exactly.

9/28/2015 12:39:53 PM

Orlando, FL

Ignore post, can't figure out how to delete and have been told that fresh compost ruined the test..

9/28/2015 9:39:01 PM

Orlando, FL

Ignore post, can't figure out how to delete and have been told that fresh compost ruined the test..

9/28/2015 9:39:01 PM

Bethlehem CT

In my opinion your pH is too high. Whatever was in the compost or organic matter you added probably got it this high.(like you mentioned) I would imagine it will drop some over the winter. I wouldn't depend completely on sulfur or any chemical to get it all the way down. I would give it time, Over time your pH will drop. Especially in areas with lots of rain and sandy soil. (like Florida)
My pH is between 6 and 6.5. I think the best growers shoot for between 6.5 and 7. Take another soil test in the spring to see where you are.

10/2/2015 11:26:01 AM