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Soil test results-Help!!!

 
Posts: 22
Location: Oregon
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I just got my soil test results back and I really don't know what to do.  I'm still very confused regarding soil, lot's of studying going on.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  One is a standard soil test and the other a saturated paste.  Thank you!!
Filename: Kathleen-Driscoll-Saturated-Paste-20200302-117685.pdf
File size: 46 Kbytes
Filename: Kathleen-Driscoll-Soil-20200302-117685-7239-.pdf
File size: 72 Kbytes
 
pollinator
Posts: 3827
Location: Massachusetts, Zone:6/7 AHS:4 GDD:3000 Rainfall:48in even Soil:SandyLoam pH6 Flat
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Kathleen Driscoll
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Location: Oregon
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Thanks for the response, my lab did not provide any optimal parameters and this was helpful.

My phosphorus is high, which I think explains why some of my plants are exhibiting signs of zinc and iron deficiencies and poor growth overall.  This may be because our compost contains large amounts of animal manure (chicken mainly).  So, this year I think I will plant phosphorus loving veggies/plants (root veggies, tomatoes) as well as nitrogen fixing plants since I won't apply compost.  The test shows zinc and iron levels ok, so should I just leave that alone since I am trying to correct the phosphorus level?  

I  had tomatoes and peppers that had some blossom end rot last season so I assumed calcium level/uptake was off.  The calcium is showing low in greenhouse 1, but the pH is 6.9, so I am thinking I need to add calcium???  How do I add calcium and lower ph at the same time?

The potassium is high but I really don't know what to do about that.  I know it can disrupt uptake of other nutrients (nitrogen, calcium, magnesium), maybe this is another reason for blossom- end rot and poor growth?  I would think that integrating legumes would help.

I know sphagnum peat will lower the ph and add organic matter, so I think that may be a good idea.  

I know I have to be careful of trying to adjust too many things at once because I can really mess things up, so I would really appreciate any advice on where to start first.  I am a newbie to soil health and am trying to learn and appreciate any and all advice!!!

Thank You!!!
 
S Bengi
pollinator
Posts: 3827
Location: Massachusetts, Zone:6/7 AHS:4 GDD:3000 Rainfall:48in even Soil:SandyLoam pH6 Flat
555
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forest garden solar
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I wouldn't worry about the pH of your soil, It's pretty awesome as is. But elemental sulfur will bring down the pH in 2 or so years
You can add some iron/trace mineral with rockdust, sea90, etc, but it isn't a must.

I think your biggest problem is that your plants were taking up too much nitrates, and was growing at a rate where the other minerals could not keep up. So I would recommend less nitrogen.

More organic matter in the form of woodchip (or biochar, mulch, zero-herbicide straw, etc), and more soil life esp mushroom.
I like your idea of having your nitrogen needs met by legumes.
On another note high phosphorous soils actually discourage fungi and the trading that they do with plants.

I do like making aerated compost tea (more EM) and spraying it on my garden as often as possible.  
 
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