Re: soil tests
Mike,
Yes I think Calcium is a major must and in very high levels. Secondly, yes
the high sulfur levels were elemental levels and not all available to the
plant. As you point out balancing your soil, so that all nutrients are
available is truly a juggling act. This is why it is best to find a lab that
will send you a soil test report back that you can understand without having
to be a soil scientist. Also one that will openly work with you if you need
further recommendations or explanation. I have thought of taking tissue
analysis as you describe. One problem is cost. For a complete seasonal
tissue analysis for (1) plant (4) tests throughout the season you are
looking at about $250.00. At a minimum you would want (2) test performed.
One during the vegetative growth stage and a second test just prior to the
heavy fruit bulking stage. Another factor that you need to keep in mind
regarding tissue analysis is that if you have done any foliar feeding prior
to tissue analysis you will have skewed the test results due to foliar fert.
residue in the tissue. In reality having already foliar fed there is no
point in performing the tissue analysis. So if you intend to have tissue
analysis performed, plan on not foliar feeding. Two books I would highly
recommend to any pumpkin grower are Foliar Applied Plant Nutrition and
Agronomy Handbook/Soil & Plant Analysis. Both are available from A&L Labs
(209) 529-4080. Cost is minimal and they are written in a relatively easy to
understand language. As far as it was just "Superior Roots". No I do not
believe this as being a single factor! To grow any seed to it's maximum
potential your soil certainly has to be in tip top primo condition. But then
everything else also has to fall into place. Major factor being weather, not
to mention no soil disease, minimal insect problems, cracks, splits and we
all I am sure know the rest.........I do believe in the "Silver Bullet
Theory", that is to say each seed from a single source pumpkin is
genetically different and some seeds even though from the same pumpkin will
perform far superior to other seeds from the same pumpkin. Enough of my
rambling aye!
Chris
=======================================================
>Chris , Been running a short questionaire on some soil type questions so
>far some good response and have some soil info on the 1009,991,1131,1190
>plus many others. I will add the soil info I have from your 977 soils
>report.
>
>Calcium has been reffered to as the gateway to the nutrients. Observing
>your soils report your Calcium was very high in 97 in the 6000ppm. I would
>have thought that at that rate it would of had a toxic affect. But NO the
>mother speaks for itself 977. Another area that was off the charts was
>sulfur at 1800ppm. This had to be elemental sulfur " Not available" Now
>the problem I have is Just because it says its there in the soil via the
>test doesn't mean its available to the plants. So perhaps we should be
>taking leaf samples instead of repeated soil tests?? Could it be that
>perhaps silver bullet seeds are just a seed planted in a hot spot where
>everything is clicking, rich and available?? Or do you think there is
>such a thing as the rooting is just superior??.......What are your thoughts
>....and have you done leaf samples??...............Brock
>
>
>
>P.S keep those questionares coming !
>
>
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