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Those that have read my diary know that I am setting up a patch in "new" dirt, meaning an area that has just been cleared and is for the first time receiving any amendments. I had a feel for some of what would be needed from previous tests done on different areas on the farm and started adding the basics hoping to get closer to the recommended levels that AG's seem to require. I sent in a sample from the soil in the adjoining dirt that has seen nothing added yet, these are the results:
ph 5.7
O.M.2.9
p 115ppm
k 53ppm
Ca 520ppm
mg 40ppm
CEC 2
boron 0.5ppm
manganese 15ppm
zinc 5.3ppm
sulfate 3.9ppm

The test lab was the U of Wis soil and forage analysis lab

5/7/2006 6:26:14 AM

These are the results on the 2400sq.ft. patch area that I have amended with:
100lbs of pelletized (calcified) lime
100lbs of pelletized gypsum
4 yds composted papermill waste
6 yds 2 yr old horse manure
100 lbs alfalfa meal
20 lbs bone meal
5 gal bkt of hardwood ashes
5 lbs calcium nitrate

These were added and tilled in to a depth of 8/10 inches in early April, with little rain(.5 of an inch) to kick in the "blending" these are the results of samples I pulled on April 21st:
ph 7.0
O.M. 6.3
p 130
k 350
Ca 2220
mg 160
CEC 11
boron 0.6
manganese 30
zinc 10.3
sulfate 92

I have added 12 yds of 5 yr old horse manure ( basically black dirt) while waiting for these results to come back.
I intend to do a molasses/kelp drench over the whole patch and a final till b4 the plants exit the hoops.
Our labs do not show N tests due to the types and availabilty of them in the soils.
I'm open to any suggestions as to anything else that might be done here for AG's at this late date,,I am pleased with what shows in the results so far, and am thinking things have to be even better with that xtra "primo" manure added.

5/7/2006 6:56:50 AM

Mocksville, NC

Rock, and Roll Dan! Wish you a personal best!

5/8/2006 2:18:12 PM

Hey thanks Rog,,,first year,, anything IS a personal best !!!

Still waiting for any suggestions on last minute corrections or additions here. I am still working around the hoops and have some time.

5/10/2006 10:23:14 AM