From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Rhode Island

TESTING YOUR SOIL
we use the univ of mass,west experiment station,amherst,ma. 01003-8010 (413-545-2311).
we take our sample from four to six different areas of the patch (depending on the size of your patch ).we mix the samples together in a pail, send off a handfull in a baggy -off she goes.we do this each year in both fall and spring.
a copy of this soil test and interpretation of the test will be advised from the u mass test station as noted above.

SOIL PH --a measure of the soils acidity.our goal is a ph between 6.5 and 7.2

RAISING SOIL PH -- use limestone or if you already have high magnesium levels? use a calcium limestone. high on calcium? use dolomitic (higher in magnesium) limestone.
to raise a soils ph on heavy clay type soils by one point? you would need approximately 50 pounds of lime per 1,000 sq ft.sandy type soil will use 40 pounds per 1,000 sq ft.

LOWERING SOIL PH -- purchase garden sulfer, add 20 pounds per 1,000 sq ft --- this should lower ph by one point.

CEC (cation exchange capacity) -- this is the soils ability to retain and supply nutrients.most of this cec in soils lies in the ORGANIC MATTER.sandy soils can have a cec less than 5 while heavier more organic soils can be as high as 40. a CEC between 15-25 is usually the normal for giant pumpkins.

12/26/2011 10:28:09 AM