Gwolf64 Soil Test 2019

[gwolf64]

I’m in my fourth year of my grass obsession. Thanks to all for the help. I’m excited for the 2019 season! Attached are my thee years of soil tests…. the system would not let me load 2016...) Looks like progress to me! We will see what my interpretation says....

7,000sf of Bermuda
1” weekly via rain or irrigation
Best approach with three year experience
I need a nitrogen recommendation.

[andy10917]

I'll create the Soil Test Interpretation Queue thread, but all of my software is torn-up with changes from 2018 learnings. I don't think I'll have them operational before February 1st.

Add yourself as Victim #1 when the thread is visible...

[andy10917]

To you, the report may look a little disappointing (big negative numbers in a few spots), but that's mostly because your TEC is reading high this year, and that makes an improving situation look not as good as it really is. Potassium is up, and so is Phosphorus in raw numbers - I see your effort and it's producing results...

Let's use a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or 19-19-19 - once a month for the growing season. Post the NPK and I'll calculate the rate for you.

More good news - while you have a little ways to go yet, the soil is moving exactly in the groove I've been looking for. The Calcium:Magnesium ratio is 8.57:1 -- nearly on-the-money for a perfect 8.5:1 with rising Potassium numbers. This is making a pH of 6.9, which is a little high but nothing to get upset over - especially for Bermuda. Don't do anything dumb like trying to accelerate it - it's moving properly.

The Iron number is almost where I'd like to see it (I suspected the 2018 number was an anomaly). This is on-track. Continue to use some Milorganite if the budget allows, halfway between balanced fertilizer apps.

The soil has a high (heavy) nature, which means that the OM isn't quite as critical as in most lawns. That's OK as long as the soil drains well. Still, a bit more OM would help.

In the micro's, it's only the Boron that needs a tap - let me know if you want to address that.

Greg, I think that's a pretty nice starting point for 2019!! Your work is paying off - be proud of what you've done...

[gwolf64]

Micro recommendation please. Wow. This is a much better report than previous years. My soil poorly drains. Maybe areation and sand will help? Doubt it...

[andy10917]

Greg, my $250 pull-behind aerator is permanently stored outdoors in the rain and snow behind the barn. Does this indicate to you what my impression of core aeration is? It's been there for a decade.

For Boron, apply 3 tablespoons of Twenty Mule Team Laundry Soap per 1000 sq ft, every 60 days - as outlined in the Micronutrient Application Guide.

Note to self: why do I think I'll write that last sentence a few hundred times this year?

Note to Greg: just noticed that was my 27,000th post - what a way to start the year!

[gwolf64]

Congrats on the post count! Ya, I’m not convinced on core aeration either.