Clay Soil Testing

NoTrespassing · May 26, 2015

Hi All,

We purchased a soil testing kit since I hadn't tested our soil in about 15 years. We're on our third year in our current garden location so I was hoping it would be improving considering we compost and put grass clipping on it. Sadly, it seems the same as the rest of our ground as far as I can tell.

I had a very difficult time testing. After shaking up the sample for the PH test it wouldn't settle at all. I could barely make out a ring at the top of the sample that was dark green so very alkaline (maybe 8.0 or more?) We also tested for nitrogen and basically have almost none. The N test required pushing the solution through a filter which was next to impossible with the suspended particulates.

I'm not sure of my results and thought about contacting the local ag extension about it. We're trying to grow blueberries which requires acidic soil, just the opposite of what we have. We're going to augment the soil with peat moss and hope for the best.

I think this explains why our broccoli never does very well.

Kevin

2458n · May 26, 2015

I would stop by the ag extension office and find out what they need to test your soil. Also get a list and see what you can grow with the soil you have. Might be a reason nobody else is growing blueberries.

SugarPeaFarm · May 26, 2015

Our extension office will even loan out a plugger to take soil samples. They recommend 5-6 cores from various spots. A full report takes 10 days and costs $8. If you really have a ph that high you will need granular sulphur and even iron phosphate to get it acidic enough for blueberries in clay soil. Just need a season to get the ph down to at least 5, then plant the blueberries.

Jim Nelson · May 26, 2015

Our water is very alkaline,8.2 last report, so I use an in line filter/dispenser in the drip line and fill it with Miracid by Miracle Gro and it works real well for our tomatoes and blueberries.Without it the blueberries died and tomatoes didn't do well at all.It's a fairly cheap and easy solution.

smstonypoint · May 26, 2015

I don't put much faith in DIY soil-testing kits. Some land-grant universities offer soil-testing services, but apparently the University of Illinois (UI) does not. However, UI does publishes a list of commercial labs providing those services -- Listing of Soil Testing Labs in your area. Choose a lab that accepts home samples (H) and provides interpretation on the results (I).

Steve

NoTrespassing · May 28, 2015

Thanks all, I bought some soil acidifier to go along with the peat moss and I'm going to see what happens. It's only 4 blueberry bushes so if they don't make it I won't be out too much.

Kevin