CVette's 2018 Soil Test

[CVette]

Ugh, Clifton Park dirt. Please put me in the queue for a soil analysis. Micros, lime and any other suggestions appreciated!

2016 Soil Test Post

[andy10917]

You may scratch your head - I see shortages that aren't shown as shortages because the bar is set so low by the TEC value.

The soil is sandy and poor in organic matter (OM). Any and all OM needs to be applied - free or paid.

In the cations, everything needs work. Mix 9 lbs/K of good calcitic lime with 2 lbs/K of Epsom Salts and apply at 11 lbs/K every 90 days. That should properly lift the 5.6 pH.

Get and apply Sulfate of potash (SOP, 0-0-50) at 2 lbs/K every 60 days.

Phosphorus and Iron levels are good.

In the micro's, Boron and Copper need attention. Is that on the table in 2018?

[CVette]

Thanks Andy. Micros are on the table for sure. No problem on the lime and Epsom - I already have the Encap ready.

You suggested SOP in 2016 too but I couldn't find it in an inexpensive form. Any suggestions?

For OM I typically do 40 lbs/k of Milorganite and 20 lbs/k of SBM each year. This year I'm adding 26 lbs/k of alfalfa meal. I've been using Milo and grains for 4-5 years now (would have to check my records). I assume this is not enough to move the needle? I've tried to find a peat moss spreader locally but no luck. I'm wondering if I should just buy one because short of paying someone to spread peat moss or compost on my lawn, I can't do 15ksqft by hand myself.

[andy10917]

You're not the only one that doesn't get the point. An acre of soil to 6" is two million lbs of soil. To raise that by 1%, you need to apply 20,000 lbs of LATE-STAGE OM. You aren't applying late-stage OM (only a few percent of leaves or compost, and you certainly aren't applying 20,000 lbs of it. You have to get past the idea that Milo or grains are going to make a measurable dent in the need. Note: it ain't gonna come from a bag. Period.

[CVette]

Yeah, I have heard you say that - I guess I forgot
I'll do whatever is recommended.

[CVette]

Hi Andy, when you have a chance, please let me know the amounts for micros this year.

[andy10917]

For micro's, apply 3 tablespoons/K each of Twenty Mule Team Laundry Soap (grocery) and Copper Sulfate (EBAY/Amazon) every 60 days, as outlined in the Micronutrient Application Guide.

[CVette]

Thank you!