To: "North American Fruit Explorers" <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: Re: [NAFEX] compost, peatmoss, and soil ph
Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2008 14:47:21 -0600
Karen,
Please allow me offer a small
clarification. Sawdust added may acidity, but wood ash is supposed to
raise pH. I don't grow blueberries, but wouldn't you want to avoid wood
ash?
Subject: Re: [NAFEX] compost, peatmoss,
and soil ph
i would use sawdust, or wood ash. all the commercial growers in
the willamette valley, oregon apply sawdust mulch every year for
increasing acidity and adding organic matter. sand isn't going to do
squat. leaf mulch might help, but it would have to be applied year after
year, with minor effect. a pine/fir needle mulch might do better than
oak leaf even.
peaceful valley farm supply carries "tiger 90" an organic approved sulfur
product formulated for lowering pH. remember sulfur overdoses can be
toxic.
I have several blueberry bushes and am going to add several more this
spring. I have a ton of natural leaf compost from our yard leaves and can
add some peat moss also for organic matter and to help bring ph down.
The soil is rich, but too acid--about 6.5 to 6.8 (probably due to adding
a lot of horse manure mixed with horse urine. I've had the soil
tested and it is very rich, but not acid enough for blueberries. Other
plants due well.) The leaf compost is from maple and oak leaves.
It is well composted.
Which would be better to add to my soil for organic matter and to bring
the ph down into the proper range for blueberries? Peatmoss or leaf
compost? Or both? Possibly some sand, also? THe
blueberries I have now are doing fair, but not fantastic. I am adding
some sulfur also the bring the ph down.
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