Re: soil tests back

Hi,
You need to follow the recommendations from the folks who did the tests since they are more familiar with the soils in your area.
If you cannot find any recommendations on the reports, then you need to call them.  For example, in your area you would use lime to raise the pH.  In other areas, such as the southwest United States we have to use sulphur to lower the pH.  Therefore, the folks at WVU would be best qualified to answer your questions. That's my suggestion and I'm sticking to it! 
Al
----- Original Message -----
From: d*@stratuswave.net
To: pumpkins@mallorn.com
Sent: Friday, February 01, 2002 3:36 PM
Subject: soil tests back

List,
I got back both soil tests from late fall test. Please give me any suggestions that you can or what I need to be aware of to improve my soil:
 
                                          WVU                                                     UMASS
   pH                                    6.3                                                            6.8   ;  buffer 7.0
Nitrogen                        -----------------                                 NO3-N= 20ppm ; NH4-N= 5ppm
Phosphorus               239 ppm  very hi                               30ppm  very hi
Potassium                 478    "         "                                     273  "        "
Calcium                     6986  "          "                                    2683  "          "                                   
Magnesium               778     "         "                                     391    "          "  
Cation exch cap        ---------------------                               17.4Meq/100g  
L.R.                            1.3                                                       -------------
% Base Sat.                -------------------                                 K=4.1  Mg=18.6  Ca=77.5
Boron                         --------------------                                 1.1ppm  (0.1-2.0)
Manganese                 ------------------                                   9.9        (3-20)
Zinc                              ------------------                                   17.3       (0.1-70)
Copper                        --------------------                                  1.1         (0.3-8.0)
Iron                              --------------------                                  4.5          (1.0-40)
Soluble Salts               --------------------                                  0.35 dS/M    (.08-.50 dS/M)
Lead                            --------------------                                  14 ppm         "Low"
 
Both recommended the addition of Nitrogen to the soil this spring ; not to add lime, but no other recommendations.
I've added a lot of organic material in late fall, manure 12 yds. and rye cover crop, plus 5yds. hay and crushed leaves all after soil test.
Should I lime, how much? Any recommended Nitrogen etc. from seasoned growers would be helpful, Thanks.
Don Chambers  Warwood, WV
                                                  
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