RE: Confusing soil tests
Don,
Any home kit you would use would not be nearly as accurate as what the
university lab will give you. The only real contradiction is in the
Potassium level. I would trust the university on that. I'm not sure you
can get toxic with potassium. I think it may bind up some of the micros
though if it is too high, calcium is the one that comes to mind. I wouldn't
add any if I was in your shoes. pH looks to be fine. Add on some calcium
nitrate 15.5-0-0, and it never hurts to add organic matter. I would look
for regular compost. A second test may help, but it may only add to the
confusion if the numbers come back different, as they likely will. It's
your call but if it was my patch I'd save my money and work with what I
have. Good luck.
Chris Michalec
Covington, WA
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Donald E. Chambers [SMTP:healer@stratuswave.net]
> Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2001 5:17 PM
> To: pumpkins@mallorn.com
> Subject: Confusing soil tests
>
> Folks,
> I did a soil test where I mixed about 15 tsps. of soil from my garden in a
> container, the results were N depleted, P high, and K depleted, pH 6.7.
> Another soil test from WVU shows N low ( 2lbs./1000sq.ft. needed), P very
> high, K very high, Mg very high, Ca very high, pH 7.0. I'm confused about
> which is right. None of the categories are yet toxic according to the WVU
> test. What do some of you veterans recommend? I reckon I'll leave the pH
> alone, and definitely add some N, not add P, but mostly confused about K,
> don't want that to become toxic. I alternate gardens (two) and always
> follow WVU test recommendations but the other test isn't the same, should
> I get another test?
>
> Thanks ahead for any advice.
> Don 4th yr. Warwood, WV
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