dandelions and soil ph
16 years ago
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- 16 years ago
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Proper ph for highbush blueberries? Typical ph of bagged soils?
Comments (4)To melikeeatplants: Did you say the clay needs to drain? What is that? Whatever drain means, it doesnt happen with our soil here.....(ha ha) I grew yellow/orange raspberries for a client about 6 years ago, in horrible clay at her home which used to be a rock quarry next lot over, and even though the soil is flat out terrible, those raspberries tasted better than any raspberries I've ever had! I grew the same variety in good organic soil at my house, and they werent good at all. In fact, they tasted completely different. But I dont think blueberries like it, because half mine died in clay. To fruitnut: You say that the definition of clay soil is any soil that is 40%-100% pure clay? Well, ours is 400% pure! Actually thats not completely accurate, as we also have rocks and roots too....The name of the type of clay we have is "worst"...See Morewater ph and soil ph
Comments (7)Well - In the yard/garden/beds, you probably shouldn't be attempting to mess with your soil's pH unless you're getting strong visual indicators (signs of deficiencies or toxicities in your plants) that it's high or low. Often, adding organic matter to the soil is enough to bring pH back into line over the long term, but occasionally, other amendments might be suggested based on an analysis of your soil. In containers - you're not going to be too successful lowering the pH of your soil, or trying to maintain any sort of consistent media pH. You CAN impact nutrient availability to a degree by manipulating the pH of your soil solution through the pH of your irrigation water. I never worry about media pH in containers, other than using some common sense in selecting how I supply my Ca/Mg. Dolomite raises pH and gypsum/Epsom salts don't (practically speaking). In short, container media have a higher CEC than mineral soils on a bulk density to bulk density (weight to weight) ratio, but because the bulk density of container media is usually only a fraction of that of mineral soils, the CEC and buffering capacity ends up being much lower on a per volume basis. Since the buffering capacity of container media is so low, container media pH has much less affect on the pH of the soil solution than does mineral soil pH. Zzzzzzzz?. ;o) Without very frequent testing, and the ability to inject the proper choice of acidic or basic fertilizer compounds (based on water analysis), there is no way for hobby growers to control pH to even within a whole point (5.0 - 6.0, e.g.). The pH of container media varies substantially with moisture content, fertility, temperature, fertilizer choice, ....... even the time of day and type of plant material influences pH. .... which is why I don't bother much with media pH - only to get it in a favorable range. When you find a conventional container grower that says "I maintain my pH at ____", be suspect - especially if it's lower than 6.0. You would expect an upward creep in pH if your water has high alkalinity (different than pH). If you're really concerned, get some pH paper and add enough white vinegar or citric acid to a gallon of water to reduce the pH to 5.8-6.0. Make a note of how much it took, and add that amount to your irrigation water and fertigation solution each time you water or fertilize ..... and forget about pH. ;o) Al...See Moreif distilled water isn't pH neutral, how to measure soil pH?
Comments (10)seysonn, that's a good point you make. If neutral distilled water won't make a noticeable difference compared with tap water, then the only problem I have is finding a reliable way to test for pH. I thought my cheapo test strips might be off by a little bit, but the vinegar test does show them to be worthless. So what is the liquid test kit you're referring to. What brand is it?. I've been looking at better quality test strips, ColorpHast is a good brand (used by my scientist friend) , and also Phinex (4.5-9 pH range). I'd like to find some with a range of 2-9 pH so I can use vinegar as a low end standard. ColorpHast makes that range, but seems to be out of it every time I check. And does it matter if a test kit is labelled for saliva and urine...is that just because of the range, and can any pH test kit/method be used to test a soil sample? Any opinions on favorite pH testing methods? I think I'll start a new thread to ask that questions, or has this been done many times already?...See MoreAdjusting alkaline soil pH with coffee grounds for more flowering
Comments (6)strawberry hill, your post is so interesting. I've never tested my soil but knowing that it's basically decomposed granite (in some places solid granite just 1 1/2 feet down) is a good clue. Growing the right roses for your area, as has been emphasized on this forum over and over, is in my opinion the most important lesson to learn. Having once chosen the right ones, there are still steps that can be taken, as you point out, to fine-tune the results. A lot depends on how much you can or are willing to do. I've found that coffee grounds from my husband's coffee consumption, alfalfa meal and adequate water are the simplest way for me to have good-looking roses. Judicious pruning also has its place. Poisons never will; I'd give up roses first. It's part art, part science and part the will of the roses to live and thrive. It's a little different for everyone, and it is endlessly fascinating. Ingrid...See More- 16 years ago
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