Skip to Content.
Sympa Menu

market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org

Subject: Market Farming

List archive

Chronological Thread  
  • From: Steve Matthiasson <steve AT lodiwine.com>
  • To: "'market-farming AT franklin.oit.unc.edu'" <market-farming AT franklin.oit.unc.edu>
  • Subject:
  • Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2000 10:20:52 -0700


While it is true that peat moss acidifies soil, it more complicated than
that with compost. Finished manure or green waste based compost typically
has a pH in the 7.1-7.8 range. Furthermore, if compost is well finished,
with a high content of humus, it has a pH buffering effect--in an alkaline
environment humus releases hydrogen ions (H+), lowering pH...but
conversely, in an acidic environment humus disassociates hydroxy groups
(OH-), which raises pH. For this reason compost is a safe and valuable soil
amendment for both acidic and alkaline soils.

Steve Matthiasson
Viticulturist
Lodi-Woodbridge Winegrape Commission

-----Original Message-----
From: Peg Cook [SMTP:pegcook AT northnet.org]
Sent: Friday, October 20, 2000 1:44 PM
To: market farming
Subject: Re: [Lowering pH]

David,
If you are trying to raise your pH levels then you should back off on
applying compost, peat moss or anything of that nature as these amendments
will produce H+ ions and make the soil more acid.

I would strongly urge you to take a soil sample for testing first, before
applying anything else at this time. The lime you are adding is it a high
Calcium lime or dolomite? Dolomite reacts more slowing as well as supplies
Magnesium. But, does your soil need Magnesium? A complete soil test will
tell you this.

I offer free soil sample kits. If you are interested or have questions on
testing, please feel free to send me a private email.

Peg Cook, Agronomist
Cook's Consulting
Lowville, NY. 13367

pegcook AT northnet.org




  • [no subject], Steve Matthiasson, 10/24/2000

Archive powered by MHonArc 2.6.24.

Top of Page