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nafex - [NAFEX] Epsom salts and nitrogen

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  • From: "Jim Fruth" <jfruth@tds.net>
  • To: "NAFEX" <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [NAFEX] Epsom salts and nitrogen
  • Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2007 08:57:53 -0500

Rob Hamilton asked, "On two occasions now I have heard of beneficial interactions of Epsom Salts and with nitrogen fertilizer.

Does anyone know if or how these two interact in the soil?


Back when I used to teach classes, I was frequently asked about Epsom salts and nitrogen. Those who applied Epsom Salts to their plants usually got no reaction from their plants, a bewilderment to many since it is so widely touted as being a miracle fertilizer. I had a standard answer - 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 Fruth
Brambleberry Farm
Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
For jams, jellies & syrups:
www.bberryfarm.com
(877)265-6856 [Store]
(218)831-7018 [My Cell]





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