[NAFEX] Epsom salts and nitrogen

Hilborn.E at epamail.epa.gov Hilborn.E at epamail.epa.gov
Fri Oct 5 11:34:34 EDT 2007


 "if the soil has sufficient magnesium already, adding more (Epsom
Salts) won't
do anything.  If your soil lacks sufficient magnesium, then Epsom Salts
will
make a difference.  Epsom Salts is a quick release form of magnesium but

Dolomite is more often the recommended source of magnesium  because it
is a
slow release form and not as likely to be leeched away.  Sandy soils
tend to
need magnesium whereas calcareous tend to have a sufficient amount.
    Soils either have magnesium or they don't whereas nitrogen is
replenished regularly.  Nitrogen dissolved in rain is converted to a
form of
nitrogen that plants can use through the action of soil bacteria."

Jim,
Thanks for the explanation. I have had great success with Epsom salts on
my gardenias, but I will try dolomite as a longer term solution.

Betsy Hilborn
7a NC




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