Gwolf - 2020 Soil Test

[gwolf64]

Celebrating 5 years of soil progress! As soon soil and monostand achieved epic levels, I sold my house. I now live in Atlanta, GA with new construction. At first glance I have alot of work to do...... But, I am excited to undertake another 5 year effort.

- size: 7000sf
- Bermuda
- 1" mow height
- Irrigate 1" per week or via precipitation
- I want BEST / Advanced approach
- I have been treating soil for 5 years. I consider myself advanced.

[andy10917]

OK, are you in the Atlanta area (what town?) or in Atlanta itself?

Was the topsoil imported (purchased) or is that native soil? It's all over the board - far too little of some things and far too much of other things. I'm glad you have some experience - you're gonna need it.

I'll check on this several times today and get this done, but I need a few things answered:

(1) Where did the topsoil come from, and how deep was the topsoil applied?
(2) Do you have any idea where the Sodium came from? - it's quite pronounced
(3) Your soil test results indicate a soil test depth of 6". Was it really 6", or did it default on the test form? (we generally do the inch between 3" and 4")
(4) Do you have any idea where you're going to get the more difficult-to-find nutrients for a "Best" approach?

I'm not trying to scare you - Bermuda can tolerate a lot, but to do its best, this soil is gonna need work...

[gwolf64]

Marietta, GA
It’s new construction. The builder built the house a year ago then it sat until I bought it a month ago. He let the grass go. It’s on “lake front” and next to a power line easement... maybe this helps... knowing more about the property.

1. No idea. I wish I knew.
2. No idea. We are at the end of a cul-de-sac and runoff sometimes runs through my yard. There are no gutters on the street.
3. I tested at 3-4”
4. If it exists. I can get it. I ain’t scared. Lol.

The grass is in rough shape. But I’m ready to tackle this task no matter how hard.

[andy10917]

Alright, it's gonna be a bigger write-up -- early evening.

[gwolf64]

Thanks Andy! Your are the best!

[andy10917]

So, you're cocky and up for a challenge, eh?

You got one!

Structurally, you've got a 5+ TEC, which is a very sandy soil. The OM% isn't helping much at 1.5% (pretty poor). You'll need both a OM program and a crutch - or what you put in will impress a farmer in China.

In the cations, the Calcium/Magnesium/Potassium aren't painting a picture that makes a pH of 7.3. So what is? Sodium. Sodium is at 5.75% of the cation picture, and that's far above the 3% trouble number. That needs to be dealt with - it's not like Atlanta is a place with early-season salt from road de-icing. It's pretty rare to see the Sodium higher than the Magnesium.

The solution to Sodium issues is Gypsum. Get and apply fast-acting Gypsum, which is often available at HD/Lowes. Apply at bag rate every 60 days - garden gypsum is not acceptable.

Potassium is pretty high and Phosphorus very low. This means you're often on another mission to locate Triple SuperPhosphate (0-45-0, "TSP") or Monoammonium Phosphate ("MAP"). Find one and post the NPK for application rates and frequency.

Iron is OK, but mostly unavailable at your current pH. Fixing the Sodium problem should fix this also.

In the micro's, Boron, Copper and ZInc are short, but you could open a Manganese mine - again, all over the board. Only Boron is requiring your attention now (the level is lower than what can be measured). Up for it in 2020?

I'm glad your confident, because this is going to have some ups and downs. Impress me!

PS: A Nitrogen source is up to you unless you want my opinion...

[andy10917]

Oops!! I forgot to detail the "crutch" - you need a Humates program to boost the TEC also. Are you ready to hear that, or is that too much for 2020?

[gwolf64]

Thank you for your help. Now I know why my grass is visibly suffering.

Boron app rate and frequency? I plan on using milo as a carrier...

Nitrogen. I usually buy the highest N-0-0. I’m open to suggestions. Need I watch out for sulphur content?

I am very interested in the Humates program! I have no experience with this... Please share.

[andy10917]

Boron app rate and frequency? I plan on using milo as a carrier...

3 tablespoons/K of Twenty Mule Team laundry soap, every 60 days - you know the drill.

Nitrogen. I usually buy the highest N-0-0. I’m open to suggestions. Need I watch out for sulphur content?

Urea (46-0-0) is fine. Try to get 1 lb/K of N (roughly 2 lbs/K of Urea) per growing month. Sulfur is not an issue.

I am very interested in the Humates program! I have no experience with this... Please share.

I use the "medium rate" (2 lbs/K) of "The Andersons Humic DG" at the beginning of the season, and again just before the heat stress (the end of June) - so 4 lbs/K a year. That seems like a good rate for you, too.

The product is available in two sizes - 11 lbs and 40 lbs. Try to get it locally if you can as shipping costs will be high for a 40 lb size. My local source is closed due to COVID-19, so I went to be favorite online source: 7 Springs Farm. Good price, but shipping added $23. Still better than most other online sites. Be careful when ordering online - many vendors are charging high prices for the 11 lb size. No relationship with 7 Springs here, but I like good price and supporting Community Supported Agriculture.

The prills break down with water from irrigation/rain, but there is no harm in not irrigating right away.

[gwolf64]

I found some TSP 0-46-0. At what rate and frequency should I apply?

[andy10917]

2 lbs/K, monthly during the growing season

[gwolf64]

Andy! Hope you are well.

I am able to get my hands on some Lesco 18-46-0 at a great price... Based on the analysis I think this is fine to use.... I plan on using it at the same rate as above. I think i'm good, but do you think i'm good?

PS. I found this cool calculator to grade my fertilizer selection.

http://aesl.ces.uga.edu/soil/fertcalc/

[andy10917]

I am able to get my hands on some Lesco 18-46-0 at a great price... Based on the analysis I think this is fine to use.... I plan on using it at the same rate as above. I think i'm good, but do you think i'm good?

You're good, but remember to adjust the Nitrogen content of whatever you're using - at 2 lbs/K you'll also be applying 0.36 lbs/K of Nitrogen from the 18-46-0.