:stoned: this might help:stoned:

Testing on a regular basis allows you to monitor the available nutrient, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium and add what is needed




Alkaline Soil-pH above 7.0 pH too low--Adding sulfur will lower the pH

Acidic Soil-pH below 7.0 pH too high--Adding lime will raise pH

Poor Nitrogen Content Addition of fertilizers Natural (preferred) or synthetic will increase the soilâ??s nitrogen content.


Nitrogen Levels Too High It is possible to have soil that is too rich. Too reduce the nitrogen content water well and often and add no additional fertilizer till levels are reduced.


Low Phosphorus Levels Bone meal or super phosphate will bring up the phosphorus levels.

Phosphorus Level Too High Use a fertilizer that is lower in phosphorus and plant densely to use up the excess.


Low Potassium Level Add potash to raise the potassium

High Potassium Levals Add no additional potassium till levels are reduced.

Side Note Gardeners who practice Organic methods have often found chemical additions to be a temporary fix. It has been shown that the addition of vegetative matter, in the form of compost, worked into the soil every year will usually have the effect of leveling out chemical unbalances. This often will have a much more permanent and positive effect.

Improving Soil Texture/Drainage (Tilth)

Soil falls into a number of categories. Clay, sand, loam, and many combinations. Each has distinct characteristics. Poor draining, unable to retain nutrients, dense and hard to plant in or work.

In most cases the addition of organic materials will improve the condition of whatever type or soil you may have.

A few of the things that are effective are:



Compost
Peat Moss
Leaf Mold
Shredded Leaves
scobbie Reviewed by scobbie on . pH testing Hi everyone, hope all is well! The girls are doing great, but I haven't done any pH testing (tsk tsk), and id like to find out how I'm doing and fix it (if necessary). 1.) How do you guys test the pH of your water/soil? 2.) Whatever you use to test, where do you buy it? 3.) Once I find out that my soil/water is too acidic/basic, how do I fix it, and where I can buy it? Rating: 5