Market Farming

["Peg Cook" <pegcook AT northnet.org>]

Liz,
In looking over your soil test information, there are some major concerns.
I didn't see your % Organic Matter, but, I have a feeling it isn't where it
should be!

First, the pH is to low for a legume (or even a grass for that matter) to
establish well.  The seeding may come up but it will not establish.  Optimum
pH for clovers and grasses is at 6.2.

The % Base Saturation for Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg) are way out of
balance!  Recommend applying 2.5 T/A (yes, you read that right!) of High
CALCIUM Lime.  I would strongly urge you not to seed these fields until Fall
is they are still in a sod now.

The heavy metals (Mn, Al, Zn, Cu, etc.) are elevated because of low pH.
Liming should help correct this.

Except for Field #2, the Phosphorus levels are quite low for seeding a
legume (even for a cover crop).  At this point the Phosphorus could be bound
up in the soil because of low pH.  Again, Liming will help this out.

For Recommendations:  When seeding a Legume, broadcast 350 Lbs/A of either
Black Rock Phosphate (0-30-0) or Soft Rock Phosphate (0-20-0).  Both are an
excellent source of Phosphorus and Calcium that will last in your soils for
a good 2 to 3 yrs.

After you have applied the P sources, BAND 300 Lbs/A of Fertrell Gold SS
(2-4-2).  This is an organic "Starter" fertilizer and will help the seed
"pop" out of the ground.  If you have to broadcast vs. banding, then,
broadcast 400 Lbs/A.

I hope this helps!

Peg Cook, Agronomist
Cook's Consulting

pegcook AT northnet.org

----- Original Message -----
From: Elizabeth Pike <pike AT always-online.com>
To: market farming <market-farming AT franklin.oit.unc.edu>
Sent: Sunday, February 27, 2000 6:32 PM
Subject: sample soil test & expert opinion


> I've received Peg's permission to post my soil tests results to the
> list to which
> she will offer her expert opinion & recommendations.  I'm not taking
> advantage of her, we both thought this might be educational for
> everyone.  All fields were previously planted in soy beans, and
> no-till farmed. The soil is hard pack clay and sand.
>
> I sent soil samples to NC Agronomics division from 3 fields on which I
> intend to plant a forage/legume cover crop for 3-5 years in
> anticipation of sustainable (organic?) farming there after.   (16
> acres tested).
>
>              Field 1    Field 2          Field 3
> HM%     0.86         0.86               0.6
> W/V      1.25          1.24               1.24
> CEC      6.8            5.6                  3.6
> BS %    71.0          68.0              47.0
> Ac          2.0            1.8                 1.9
> pH          5.4           5.4                 4.9
> P-I           48          106                 62
> K-I           55           48                   30
> Ca%       46.0        52.0               34
> Mg%      20.0        12.0               11.0
> Mn-I        49           33                   23
> Mn-AI (1) 39         29                   23
> Mn-A1 (2) 39         29                  23
> Zn-1         38          38                   28
> Zn-AI       38           38                   28
> Cu-I         35           42                   40
> S-I           55           42                   53
> Na           0.1         0.1                   0.1
>
>
> Okay Peg!
>
> Liz Pike
> Morningstar Gardens
> Pollocksville NC
> ICQ 46954468
>
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