| Help with soil test results... |
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By:
c5ken
Date:23-Mar-20
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I got the results from my soil test today. I'm a rookie at this stuff & don't understand what to do based on the test. This is what I got: Soil pH 6.4 Lime index 71. Phosphorus (p) 23 (optinmum) Potassium (k) 72 (below optimum) Magnesium 109 (above optimum) Recommenations: Limestome - None Target pH - 6.5
I have a 3ac food plot planted with Lidado clover in 2018. Not sure what I need to do. Can anyone help me whit this??
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By:
Fuzzy
Date:23-Mar-20
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your pH is spot on for clover, most lime has magnesium and your magnesium is high so they're saying no limestone, your phosphrous is good and established clover makes its own nitrogen, you need some potash so you're looking for a 0-0-5 or 0-0-10 value soil amendment honestly clean hardwood ash would be ideal if you can find some
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By:
c5ken
Date:23-Mar-20
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Thanks for the response.
If I were to purchase 0-0-10 or 0-0-5 fertilizer, how much do you think I need to apply per ac?
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By:
Fuzzy
Date:23-Mar-20
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c5ken, honestly I can't give you a rate off the top of my head, I've been too long out of the farming business. If someone a lot more knowledgeable than me doesn't give an answer soon, I'll get you that info
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By:
drycreek
Date:23-Mar-20
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Fuzzy is spot on about your needs, but if you start getting your soil tests done by Whitetail Institute they will give you fertilizer recommendations in amounts by the acre or by the square foot. I’m sure others do this too, but WI is who I’ve always used.
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By:
c5ken
Date:23-Mar-20
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Thanks again, The soil test results are confusing for a rooker food plot grower... I have a call into the Testing lab (Michigan state) to see if I can get any info.. It would be nice if they included recommended amounts of fertilizer, etc. per ac.
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By:
Pat Lefemine
Date:23-Mar-20
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I’m surprised you got results. I imagine our soil test labs are no longer operational.
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By:
Fuzzy
Date:23-Mar-20
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Pat I got my samples in to the Extension office just before they locked the doors. They are still sitting there. They never made it to the lab. LOL
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By:
Fuzzy
Date:23-Mar-20
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c5ken, I was doing a little research and IF I am correct (still hoping someone smarter than I will pop in and give you the low-down) you may want to check your bulk farm supply places for granite dust or "greensand" ...these are pretty high in potassium and won't push your other mineral, nutrients and pH up.... you're looking to add maybe 30 pounds of K2O per acre and granite dust is 5% K2O so 600 pounds per acre or a bit under a ton total. A ton sounds like a lot but rock dust is HEAVY! It'll be less than 1/3 of a standard 8 foot pickup truck bed full in volume, more like 1/4 full.
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By:
c5ken
Date:23-Mar-20
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Thanks again for the info. I have a call into the soil test lab I used & requested recommendations as to how much potash I should apply per ac.
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By:
mgmicky
Date:23-Mar-20
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If you look at the bottom of the test, it gives recommendations for the amount of P and K20 to add... 40lb/A for Phosphorus and 180lbs/A for the K and 1lb/A for Boron...
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By:
mgmicky
Date:23-Mar-20
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If you look at the bottom of the test, it gives recommendations for the amount of P and K20 to add... 40lb/A for Phosphorus and 180lbs/A for the K and 1lb/A for Boron...
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By:
mgmicky
Date:23-Mar-20
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And the numbers on the fertilizer bag represent the % of nutrient per pound of material. So if it’s a 0-0-10 you’ll need 1800lbs/A to get your 180lbs of K
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By:
mgmicky
Date:23-Mar-20
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And the numbers on the fertilizer bag represent the % of nutrient per pound of material. So if it’s a 0-0-10 you’ll need 1800lbs/A to get your 180lbs of K
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By:
sagittarius
Date:24-Mar-20
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180 lbs/acre K = 300 lbs 0-0-60 potash. For 3 acres, 900 lbs. Keep in mind, this assumes you will be removing 4 tons clover hay per acre each year. Will the deer really be removing that much?
A 4 lb box of borax (11.34% boron) = 0.45 lbs of boron.
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By:
c5ken
Date:24-Mar-20
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So, if I understand correctly, I need to apply 300lbs of 0-0-60 per ac. Correct??
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By:
mgmicky
Date:24-Mar-20
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Yes. Or 900lbs or 0-0-20, 1800lbs of 0-0-10, etc
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By:
Fuzzy
Date:24-Mar-20
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I'm glad someone showed up to help, I was way low
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By:
MOBEN
Date:24-Mar-20
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If you go to a place where they custom mix fertilizer for farmers , they will sell you whatever you need in five gallon buckets. One bucket is about fifty pounds.Only buy the amount you need of each material. Much better than buying by the bag.
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By:
c5ken
Date:24-Mar-20
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Thanks guys...
The above have cleared this up for this rookie...
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By:
c5ken
Date:25-Mar-20
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I was able to buy 0-0-62 from a local Seed/Feed store. I hit the plot with it today. Next, once the weeds grow to 2"-4", I spray Imox & Nitro-Surf.
Hopefully, I'll get a good crop...
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By:
Shortstop
Date:26-Mar-20
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300 lbs of K2O (the term fert dealers understand) will get you 180 lbs of actual potash. Legumes use a lot of it! Good luck!
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By:
c5ken
Date:27-Mar-20
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AS stated above, when the weeds in my plot grow to about 2-4", I will spray with Imox & Nitro-Surf. When I mix the above with water, should I use hard water or water that's gone through a water-softener??
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By:
t-roy
Date:27-Mar-20
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Softened water would be better, if available, c5ken.
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By:
c5ken
Date:27-Mar-20
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Thanks, Software is available...
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By:
twofingers
Date:27-Mar-20
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http://aesl.ces.uga.edu/soil/fertcalc/ This is what I use to calculate fertilizer
