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Grittyville, WA

I did a tissue test a couple years ago that showed high NO3 nitrate but this year I am concerned about high ammonium also. Wondering if a tissue testing could show anything useful about the ratio of nitrate and ammonium in the plant. Thanks for any thoughts...

5/15/2020 3:01:19 PM

Lakewood, WA

Interesting question. It looks like it depends which lab you utilize. I notice that my Western Labs AG Pumpkin Soil Report from last year gives a figure for Ammonium (I had 20 ppm) in their reporting. You would need to calculate the ratio of nitrate to ammonium for yourself. I never had a tissue test done through Western Labs, so I don't know what all is included in their report.

Neither the soil test nor the tissue test from Spectrum Laboratories from last year made any mention of Ammonium.

I'm not sure if this is helpful to you or not.

Have a nice day everyone!

5/15/2020 5:22:42 PM

Central NY

Evey year w the ammonia...don’t wreck that tomato plant...it looks good

5/15/2020 5:46:58 PM

Lakewood, WA

Nutrient Analysis of Beef, Dairy, Swine and Poultry Manure (average content) By Wayne Cords at http://www.bigpumpkins.com/ViewArticle.asp?id=62

Down towards the bottom of the article, it says that "If manure is stored in a manure pack or stacked into a pile a 20 to 40 percent reduction in total nitrogen can be realized due to volatilization of the ammonia N. If the manure is stored in an open lot (the leave it where it falls storage method) a 40 to 60% reduction in total nitrogen can be realized."

So, basically, according to this, the ammonium blows off.

Wouldn't you be able to smell too much ammonium in your patch? Ooops, maybe not with hay fever.

I'm also wondering if a soil test that shows the amount of ammonium would be enough info to answer your questions, G. Kins.

P.S. This website is amazing, I can talk about a bunch of c*** and it's actually a productive conversation, yay! Thank you, bp! lol!

5/15/2020 5:52:34 PM

Lakewood, WA

It does seem far down the list of things to worry about, but, hey, that's just me. I can find plenty of bigger things to worry about, lol!

5/15/2020 5:57:48 PM

Lakewood, WA

I've still been thinking about this, and based on what you've said you've added, chicken manure and Scarecrow's Pride Dairy manure, you should end up about where I did at 15-20 ppm, which worked out fine for me. If you had more, your patch would gag you with a spoon! Turn your soil and let it blow off if you think it has too much ammonium, or get a soil test from Western Labs and find out exactly where you are.

Also, from that article that I mentioned earlier on this thread, you should be able to estimate how much your soil contains. My brain is tired from dealing with other issues today, but, if you really are concerned, calculate it through yourself and put your mind to rest about it.

Have a great season, G. Kins and everyone! All the best to everyone!

5/15/2020 7:06:22 PM

Grittyville, WA

Yep and I've got weeds too. . . With me. . . nothing ever changes? I will post the tissue results in a couple weeks. . .

5/16/2020 1:43:13 AM

Lakewood, WA

Sounds great! At least you're consistent :-) Good luck over there!

5/16/2020 1:14:39 PM