Lonnie's 2020 Soil Test

Learn how improving your soil can lead to a better looking lawn
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Oldschool
Posts: 238
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Location: Windsor, Colorado
Grass Type: Kentucky Bluegrass
Lawn Size: 1000-3000
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Lonnie's 2020 Soil Test

Post by Oldschool » April 24th, 2020, 10:48 am

Image

Andy, Once again, thank you for everything the ST6 folks do, couldn't do it without you.

2020 is my third year of remediation. Had good results from years 1-2 and am hoping for more of the same. I stuck to the plan again last year, SOP and Boron. Milorganite is my nitrogen of choice. I'm down to BLSC twice a year. I apply the fall nitrogen regimen. I've battled some bad grass growing here and there but nothing I couldn't handle.

2019 Thread

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=24846&p=331855&hil ... 7s#p331855

2018 Thread

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=23760&p=320885&hil ... 7s#p320885

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andy10917
Posts: 29739
Joined: February 23rd, 2009, 10:48 pm
Location: NY (Lower Hudson Valley)
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Re: Lonnie's 2020 Soil Test

Post by andy10917 » April 25th, 2020, 9:19 am

Hmmmm. I always know that we're in mid-Spring when you wake up from hibernation out there in Montana. And I'm always interested in your results, as you seem to follow the recommendations well and you're getting the expected results!

It looks like the Plan for 2020 is more of the same plan from 2019. But I've been looking for a Member that follows the plan well, has the right size lawn, and has a calcareous soil. You fit the profile I'm looking for, so I'm gonna throw a proposition at you - feel free to say "I'm not into experimentation" or "the budget can't handle it" if that's the case.

I'm looking for someone that could add a new item to a 1000 sq ft experimental plot in your yard. It would involve about a $40 investment in a Humic Acid addition to the soil (two granular applications this year). I have no calcareous soil, or I'd do the experiment myself. You can read about the results of my 4-years of work in the "Addition of Humates to Soil Plan" thread. I'd like to see how the Humates behave in a calcareous soil - there may be an improvement in Iron availability and other gains, but you never know until you test, and I don't think there is any risk of harm.

Let me know if you're interested...

Oldschool
Posts: 238
Joined: July 2nd, 2017, 11:28 am
Location: Windsor, Colorado
Grass Type: Kentucky Bluegrass
Lawn Size: 1000-3000
Level: Some Experience

Re: Lonnie's 2020 Soil Test

Post by Oldschool » April 25th, 2020, 9:47 am

Good Morning...yes, we wake when the grizzly start down the mountain. It was a mild winter in the valley, so no complaints.

I’m always up for a challenge and if helps your experiment, I’m surely in. Give me the particulars and I’ll get started.

Lonnie

Oldschool
Posts: 238
Joined: July 2nd, 2017, 11:28 am
Location: Windsor, Colorado
Grass Type: Kentucky Bluegrass
Lawn Size: 1000-3000
Level: Some Experience

Re: Lonnie's 2020 Soil Test

Post by Oldschool » April 25th, 2020, 10:18 am

Andy, I read some humate threads and your experiment thread. I’ll get “The Andersons” Humic DG. Just let me know the application rate you want me to use and how often to apply.

Glad to be a part of the experiment.

As for my 2020 plan; SOP and Boron, I presume?

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andy10917
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Re: Lonnie's 2020 Soil Test

Post by andy10917 » April 25th, 2020, 10:42 am

No grizzlies around here, but the Black Bears around awake now around here and raiding the garbage regularly. One is enormous, but he's prone to just wandering away if you yell at him enough. Lesson #1 around here is taught around 5 years old to kids in my area - never get between a mama bear and a cub.

OK - I'm excited to be working with you on this experiment. Read the thread I mentioned. Then get the 11-lb size of "The Andersons Humic DG", locally if you can but online if you must. Put down 2 lbs/K on the lawn (granular and very consistent in prill size). No need to go out of your way to water it in if Spring rains are OK this time of year. After a couple of weeks, you can apply 2-3 lbs/K of Iron Sulfate (also called Ferrous Sulfate, and sometimes sold as Moss Killer, but check that the main ingredient is Ferrous/Iron Sulfate). See if you can tell the difference in color 3-4 weeks later. Repeat the 2 lbs/K on the 1000 sq ft plot of Humic DG at the very end of June (just before the big heat).

Let me know of any color/density changes in the grass plot, health improvements or heat tolerance differences, but don't expect instant results. The 11 lb size should get you a couple of years of coverage with 2 apps a year.


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andy10917
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Re: Lonnie's 2020 Soil Test

Post by andy10917 » April 25th, 2020, 10:43 am

As for my 2020 plan; SOP and Boron, I presume?
Yes, plus the Humic Acid and Ferrous Sulfate for the test plot.

Oldschool
Posts: 238
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Location: Windsor, Colorado
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Re: Lonnie's 2020 Soil Test

Post by Oldschool » April 25th, 2020, 11:17 am

Got it!

I’ll open an experiment update thread for you, once I get started...

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andy10917
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Re: Lonnie's 2020 Soil Test

Post by andy10917 » April 25th, 2020, 11:43 am

No, don't create the thread - I'll create it in the "Members Only" area - I don't want random lurkers on the Internet trying experimental programs on difficult soils. I may provide another humate to you by mail to add to the experimental plot. It will not be named - just supplied with a code name for reference.

Oldschool
Posts: 238
Joined: July 2nd, 2017, 11:28 am
Location: Windsor, Colorado
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Re: Lonnie's 2020 Soil Test

Post by Oldschool » April 25th, 2020, 11:47 am

Copy that

Oldschool
Posts: 238
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Re: Lonnie's 2020 Soil Test

Post by Oldschool » April 28th, 2020, 1:18 pm

Hey Andy,

I can get the 40 lb. bag of Humic DG locally and online. But I have yet to find the 11 lb. bag. Can you send me in the right direction?

Thanks, Lonnie

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andy10917
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Re: Lonnie's 2020 Soil Test

Post by andy10917 » April 28th, 2020, 5:42 pm

Huh - a few weeks ago I had to fight through the 11-lb size to find a source for the 40-lb size. I'll have to do a little research. They were getting high prices (compared to the 40 lb) for the 11-ib one. Go figure.

Oldschool
Posts: 238
Joined: July 2nd, 2017, 11:28 am
Location: Windsor, Colorado
Grass Type: Kentucky Bluegrass
Lawn Size: 1000-3000
Level: Some Experience

Re: Lonnie's 2020 Soil Test

Post by Oldschool » April 28th, 2020, 5:51 pm

My local AG can order the 40 lb for me. Not concerned with the cost, just having another big bag of product lying around is what i'm trying to avoid. If you find the 11, great, if not, i'll get the 40 going by Friday.

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andy10917
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Re: Lonnie's 2020 Soil Test

Post by andy10917 » April 28th, 2020, 5:57 pm

You can do a larger plot than 1000 sq ft if you like, so the bag doesn't lay around. Just leave enough of the "original lawn" for comparison as a Control -- can you tell that I've worked on Clinical Trials more than I care to admit? :shock:

Oldschool
Posts: 238
Joined: July 2nd, 2017, 11:28 am
Location: Windsor, Colorado
Grass Type: Kentucky Bluegrass
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Re: Lonnie's 2020 Soil Test

Post by Oldschool » April 28th, 2020, 5:58 pm

But you just admitted it! I'll get the 40 and get started with the project.

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andy10917
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Re: Lonnie's 2020 Soil Test

Post by andy10917 » April 29th, 2020, 8:20 am

Huh - a few weeks ago I had to fight through the 11-lb size to find a source for the 40-lb size. I'll have to do a little research. They were getting high prices (compared to the 40 lb) for the 11-ib one. Go figure.
Yeah, suddenly all the 11-lb size is not available - even the manufacturer ("The Andersons") has it listed as "Unavailable" on Amazon. The third-parties cried up too. If I get a chance I'll call their customer support and ask what's up...

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andy10917
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Re: Lonnie's 2020 Soil Test

Post by andy10917 » April 29th, 2020, 11:40 am

I called "The Andersons" and they were super-responsive. The issue is that with prioritization of warehouse stuff by Amazon and general COVID-19 issues everywhere, replenishment just isn't able to keep up with demand currently. There are shipments on the way to Amazon warehouse(s) and they expect the 11-lb bags to be in-stock this weekend, and the 40-lb bags to be in-stock next week.

Oldschool
Posts: 238
Joined: July 2nd, 2017, 11:28 am
Location: Windsor, Colorado
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Re: Lonnie's 2020 Soil Test

Post by Oldschool » April 29th, 2020, 11:45 am

Great news! Thanks Andy

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andy10917
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Re: Lonnie's 2020 Soil Test

Post by andy10917 » April 29th, 2020, 8:50 pm

Look for a thread posted a few minutes ago, with your name in the thread title, and please respond

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