Skip to Content.
Sympa Menu

market-farming - Re: sample soil test & expert opinion

market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org

Subject: Market Farming

List archive

Chronological Thread  
  • From: "Peg Cook" <pegcook AT northnet.org>
  • To: "market farming" <market-farming AT franklin.oit.unc.edu>
  • Subject: Re: sample soil test & expert opinion
  • Date: Tue, 29 Feb 2000 11:29:55 -0500


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
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ---
> You are currently subscribed to market-farming as: pegcook AT northnet.org
> To unsubscribe send a blank email to
$subst('Email.Unsub')
>
>





Archive powered by MHonArc 2.6.24.

Top of Page