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  • From: "Erdman, James" <ErdmanJ@uwstout.edu>
  • To: "nafex" <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [NAFEX] FW: pH question
  • Date: Fri, 4 May 2007 12:00:03 -0500

I originally sent this question to Dennis, but it came back as undeliverable,
so I am sending it to the entire list.
Am I just confused or IS the table wrong?
Thanks.

Jim Erdman, in Menomonie, WI

________________________________

From: Erdman, James
Sent: Wed 5/2/2007 11:46 AM
To: dmnorton@royaloakfarmorchard.com
Subject: RE: [NAFEX] pH question


Dennis
Thanks for the interesting article. But it appears that the table showing
amounts of sulfur to lower the pH is the same as the other table showing
limestone to raise pH. Do you have the proper table available?
Thanks.

Jim Erdman in Menomonie, WI

________________________________

From: nafex-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org on behalf of
dmnorton@royaloakfarmorchard.com
Sent: Wed 5/2/2007 7:05 AM
To: North American Fruit Explorers
Subject: Re: [NAFEX] pH question


Options to lower soil ph include sphagnum peat, elemental sulfur, aluminum
sulfate, iron sulfate, acidifying nitrogen, or organic mulches. Below is an
article I had on hand that may help:


An excellent way to lower the pH of small beds or garden areas is the
addition of sphagnum peat. (The pH of Canadian sphagnum peat generally ranges
from 3.0 to 4.5.) Sphagnum peat is also a good source of organic matter. On
small garden plots, add a one to two inch layer of sphagnum peat and work it
into the top 8 to 12 inches of soil before planting. The addition of sphagnum
peat to large areas would be cost prohibitive.

Granular sulfur is the safest, least expensive but slowest acting product to
use when attempting to lower your soil's pH. The table below shows the pounds
of sulfur needed per 100 square feet to lower the pH to 6.0 in the top 6
inches of soil.

Soil pH Sandy Loam Loam Clay loam
5.0 8 10 15
5.5 6 8 10
6.0 3 4 6

To avoid plant injury, don't exceed 2 pounds of sulfur per 100 square feet
per application. Wait at least 3 months to make another application.

Aluminum sulfate and iron sulfate react more quickly with the soil than
elemental sulfur. However, aluminum sulfate and iron sulfate must be applied
at a 5 to 6 times greater rate. Do not apply more than 5 pounds per 100
square feet of aluminum or iron sulfate at any one time. Excessive amounts of
these two sulfates can also injure plants.

Some types of fertilizers can help to acidify the soil and most of them are
safe to apply. Acidifying fertilizers include ammonium sulfate, diammonium
phosphate, monoammonium phosphate, urea, and ammonium nitrate. Read the label
on the fertilizer bag to determine if it is an acidifying fertilizer.

Research suggests that wood chips as a surface mulch may actually allow
greater nutrient absorption by some trees. Spread a layer about three inches
thick at least out to the dripline. Each spring add more mulch to keep the
depth at about three inches.

If the pH of your soil is greater than 7.5, then the soil may contain a large
amount of free calcium carbonate. This compound strongly resists changes in
soil pH. Lowering the pH becomes difficult or impractical on soils that have
a pH above 7.5.

The pH of highly acidic soils can be raised by incorporating limestone into
the soil. Hydrated lime works quicker, but over liming is more likely. The
table below shows pounds of ground limestone needed per 100 square feet to
raise the pH to 6.5 in the top 6 inches of soil.

Soil pH Sandy loam Loam Clay loam
5.0 8 10 15
5.5 6 8 10
6.0 3 4 6



Wood ash will also raise the soil pH and make the soil more alkaline. Do not
apply wood ash, limestone, hydrated lime, or other liming materials to
alkaline soils.

Modifying a soil's pH is usually a slow process and may require repeat
treatments. It is often most effective to use a combination of treatments.
However, don't expect a quick fix or a miracle cure.

This article originally appeared in the April 6, 1994 issue, pp. 1994 issue,
pp. 42-43.
________________________________


Prepared by Eldon Everhart <http://www.hort.iastate.edu/> , Department of
Horticulture <http://www.hort.iastate.edu/>
Iowa State University <http://www.iastate.edu/> , Ames, Iowa.


Dennis Norton
Royal Oak Farm Orchard
http://www.royaloakfarmorchard.com <http://www.royaloakfarmorchard.com/>
http://www.theorchardkeeper.blogspot.com
<http://www.theorchardkeeper.blogspot.com/>
http://www.revivalhymn.com <http://www.revivalhymn.com/>

----- Original Message -----
From: Jerrydana5@aol.com
To: nafex@lists.ibiblio.org
Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2007 1:43 PM
Subject: [NAFEX] pH question


I have put a lot of horse manure on my garden spot, with the result
that it is very fertile, but the pH is too high, due to (I was told) the
amount of horse urine, which produced Ammonium hydroxide, which raised the pH
too much. Besides sulfur any suggestions for what to put on it? I know pine
needles is a possibility. How about chicken manure, since I suddenly have a
source of some? How long should it be composted before spreading? Jerry in
southern Indiana




________________________________

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