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Kutztown, PA

A while back there was some discussion about applying blackstrap molasses to enhance microbial numbers in the early season. At the time I was sure it wouldn't be of much benefit but after some reading etc. I'm rethinking it. As usual, I have a couple of questions regarding applying it.

1. Why would I apply granular as opposed to a solution?
2. When would one apply it?
3. What would the application rate be for soluble and for granular?

I also want to point out that I originally thought it was called "Back"strap molasses. Being from the south I associated the molasses with barbecue sauce and "back"strap with outer loins. LOL. Actually the Dutch named it. Yesterday I heard a news announcer call a catalytic converter a "Cadillac" converter. At least I'm not alone!

12/2/2022 4:15:38 PM

Mn

Worst thing for your soil

12/2/2022 9:01:55 PM

Austin MN

I used it in my compost teas this year to act as a good source with the bacteria I added. Didn’t add any to the soil.

12/2/2022 9:28:57 PM

Colorado

Ive heard it can be used as a weed killer.Scared me away from it.

12/3/2022 1:09:40 AM

Syracuse, NY

There are about 8 HUNDRED entries about it by typing
molasses
into the Search window - A pesky chore to see ones with only discussion but hit 'page down' on your right-hand keyboard area and that'll make it easier.
See you in a few weeks, lol---eg

12/3/2022 4:06:34 AM

Grittyville, WA

Why is it bad? Too oxidixing maybe? I think most people would use it to brew tea. Fyi Garwolf Ive heard that the amount of sugars is insignificant compared to what exudes from the roots of a healthy cover crop on a sunny day. So in that sense of adding food to the soil, it doesnt seem cost effective. As for the science of why it would be good or bad, thats beyond me.

12/3/2022 6:18:15 AM

Grittyville, WA

Also when they say it contains minerals, yeah I'm sure it does but the amounts are way, way smaller than what people are feeding their pumpkins. Again, maybe its not a question of good vs bad but one of significance vs insignificance.

12/3/2022 6:22:33 AM

Partlow,Va

i use dried cane molasses and work it in in the fall. feed the worms.

12/3/2022 8:43:26 AM

Torrance, Ca.

I use Hi- Brix Plant molasses. The microbes love it in the soil and like Tconway ( Tanner ),,, I use it in all my compost teas.
Plants go nuts after a drench of that! Look what it did for Tanner this year!;)

Hank knows also,,, worms just love it bringing more and more to the patch!

12/3/2022 9:56:09 AM

Jericho Vermont

Called feed grade molasses here and I have been using it for over 20 years and it seems my soil is fine. I feed it lightly in almost every feeding. Don't be afraid to try different things as everyone's soil is different. I tried myco for 5 years and it was the lowest weight years we have had. Seems like our high phos soil and myco are not a good mix. Learn the formula that works best for your patch and it may or may not include molasses.

12/3/2022 11:57:00 AM

Mn

It can be a very bad thing depending upon your soil. You have to understand that expinetially multiplying bacteria can be good or bad. In teas we are using all the molasses, hence the good beneficial bacteria are multiplied under a semi controlled environment. Now when we apply to soil we are not only thriving the good but also the bad. If the bad outweighs the good in any way, shape or form, you are flirting with fire. Your soil structure can also change as well turning clumpy. Use what you want but know what you're putting into your soil and what your soil already has. I would say most aren't pathogen and Hanley testing their soil. My best source for biologicals, a guy who has dedicated his life to this subject straight up says so much bad advice with molasses. I do not think little amounts would really hurt much but there is a fine line there.

12/4/2022 12:32:43 AM

Syracuse, NY

Well, since we're on the topic of it, I use one quart per 55 gallons H2O, maybe once a week on any lucky plant -
*Insert recs for actual good concentration here* -
figuring that the 'fuel' for the microbes and worms is helpful to some extent and I have a bunch of it that I'll use up but have not researched it beyond 'I've got, so I'll use it'; Too bad there's no Soil Recommendation that says 'Yer low on Mo', lol---eg
PS - If you see mole asses runnin' away, you need to set some traps. BAAAAHHAAAAAAAA...

12/4/2022 2:00:53 AM

Partlow,Va

I use about 6lb molasses for a 121sqft raised bed.
Another way to feed your soil biology is to water in some of your organic products like fish emulsion,Vermaplex,Neptunes. I will use up older stuff on my cover crop or just straight on the soil. Warning it gets loud with all those the worms chewing at the same time when you feed corn meal + molasses together.

12/4/2022 8:50:25 AM

50 Acres

I feed a couple of bags of sugar beet meal every other year. I feel I have more worms than ever in my soil. Jim

12/4/2022 8:58:42 AM

Torrance, Ca.

There is some truth to that waterstone1. Talking to my 40 year pathologist, like your source he says it can be very harmful if added to patches with large amounts of certain diseases and can be more harmful then helpful.
This is why I do it early in my teas then back off later in the season.
VTJohn is so right. Sounds like he can't even use myco because of his P numbers. John knows his patch after all these years!:)
Knowing your soil is by far one of the biggest factor in having a successful season as this post has pointed out.

This post also shows we're going to a have a fun winter!:)

12/4/2022 12:53:04 PM

Jericho Vermont

Winter is a great time for healthy conversations. Nothing personal from my end and different scientific views should be welcomed and valued. I am not disagreeing with Waterstone1, just saying that I have used it for years with no apparent ill effects. It seems that natural sugars will feed all and it is the ratio of good to bad bacteria that is the underlying issue.

12/4/2022 1:36:50 PM

Syracuse, NY

Many 'Yays' to ALL for a great year on your behalves;
I mean Holy Moly - 2900-plus? & a double or more US record exceedance?
Wowzers!
As was of the original query, and I am also VERY interested in any and all others' types, - (liquid or granular, which is usually seed hulls with it sprayed onto them in bagged form) what might be your regimen(s) concerning molasses applications?

A few! (Bless me) have already explained themselves and that is great!

Does anyone think that my usage is inappropriate or could be done more-effectively?
Overhead is my method via Whizzer sprinkler - I am hooked.
Next year is supposed to be PumpkInsanity at my place, so, I wanna be prepared, lol!
Thanks - In concert with the original post I hope to be - eg
Watching 'Top Gun - Mav eric k' and My name is Eric K Gerry so, whatta day, lol---ekg

12/4/2022 5:18:30 PM

Kutztown, PA

Wow! Lots of thoughts on molasses. Thanks to all.
I'm going to do some experimenting this year with some extra seeds I have. I think I'll make molasses one of the variables and see what happens.

12/5/2022 4:33:12 PM

Syracuse, NY

Make your seed-starting mix WITH the molasses, provided that it's liquid, lol -
if they sprout and/or survive, well...wow!
Anything is possible - Last or the year before, I had two seedlings at my sink for the express purpose of keeping the SS mix submerged 24/7. That's right - submerged plants showed NO sign of any problems.
No, there were no times when the SS mix was exposed and it was for a week or more.
Whoa!
Maybe there's some truth to 'Atlantic (Ocean) Giant'? eg

12/5/2022 6:44:53 PM

Grittyville, WA

I dont think adding it to your germination process will turn out well.

12/5/2022 9:34:13 PM

Mead, WA

Use the unsulfered black strap molasses 2 tblsp to 1 gallon h20. Mix with epsom salt etc to make a fertilizer use early in season. Apply amounts needed by your soil after test soil.

12/5/2022 10:04:37 PM

Syracuse, NY

Awww, all I have is the white-bucket kind.
Just kidding, and thank you!
(110 Tbsp. per 55 gals H2O equal to 1.71875 qt. needed)
Okay, will consider! Been using 1 quart. eg

12/5/2022 11:52:47 PM

Marion,IN

Waterstone1, thank you for your answer. Based on weighoff results, I'll go with your advice.

12/6/2022 12:59:30 PM

Grittyville, WA

Not being devil's advocate but statistically there's no way to know, there's always the chance he would have hit 2700 if he had used it. We humans and our self assuring logic.
A.I. will kick ALL our butts someday.

12/6/2022 1:40:43 PM

Austin MN

Little kin’s you’re spot on! I used it in my teas as stated above and improved my PB by close to 700 pounds in a single season. But had I not used it would it have been even more? My 2 cents in if you can feed the healthy biota what it needs you should. But like Travis stated, if you are feeding the bad biota you’re hurting your chances and increasing disease pressure.

12/6/2022 1:52:21 PM

Syracuse, NY

Whether we do or don't use molasses to perhaps enrich the soil like any other amendment is up to the individual and if there is any benefit from it as far as weight is concerned, it probably will be counteracted OR enhanced by the grower's other activities toward that end.
Like a brake job on my car, one thing will lead to another.
Just something to read about it:

https://www.zookmolasses.com/blog/agricultural-molasses/molasses-for-plants

I'm not sure as of this typing if my Molasses is sulphered and will decrease the pH which is a goal to be had with my higher pH (7.5 +?);
Guess I'll decide more after an elaborate soil test, lol! eg

12/7/2022 8:17:46 AM

Syracuse, NY

sulphured

12/7/2022 10:09:43 AM

Kutztown, PA

Soil compaction plays a big part in the balance of bacteria species. The more compaction the less oxygen, the more anaerobic bacteria. Molasses would certainly be more beneficial in well oxygenated (tilled soil) that is conducive to aerobic microbe production than it would be in compacted poorly drained soil. In wetter soils that are compacted you might enhance the population of pathogenic bacteria. I'm thinking in my situation (just chisel tilled) a little molasses might be beneficial at the start of the season. Here's a great article out of Ohio State University on soil bacteria. It's not really a technical paper so it wont be too difficult to get through. I think it would be worth reading if this subject interest you.

https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/anr-36

12/7/2022 11:15:00 AM