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Sydney, Australia

Just got the results of my soil analysis back on my 2 patches. At my place the soil came in at PH 7.4, which is not too bad. Everything satiisfactory levels(Nitrogen, phosphorus, Potassium, calcium/magnesium ratio, copper, zinc,manganese, iron) however I had massive levels of chloride, boron and my Elect. Conductivity was 20 times what it should be. The verdict was....-"This soil would not be productive for growing commercial crops."
Very dissapointing indeed, with planting time only 2 weeks away. Spoke with the agrilcultural adviser, and he said all I could do was water the heck out of it in an attempt to leech out all the excess salt and boron in the soil. And also add some fungi and bacterial products to combat the super high Elect. Conductivity. I will be doing that and hoping for the best. Possible cause of the very high salt levels is the next door neighbours salt water swimming pool, which oversplash does soak in through the side of the raised beds. Will have to dig out along fence and place in plastic to stop that, then get another sample and hope it has helped.
Other patch has similar problems PLUS a massive excess of sulfur as well. PH is great though at 6.8
Very disheartening, for I want the pumpkins to have the best conditions possible. But I'm still putting in plants regardless, and growing to the best of my ability....will be interesting....probably not a new Australian record but hopefully a new PB....Ben

10/3/2002 7:54:55 AM

Roanoke Il

Ben add as much compost as you can get your hands on this will correct your problems over time. mark

10/3/2002 8:25:53 AM

Southern Illinois

HELLO SYDNEY AUSTRAILA,THERE IS A CHEMICAL I USED IN THE PAST CALLED ECe-X IT IS A SOIL CONDITIONER,IT WILL HELP KEEP THE MOVEMENT OF WATER AND SALT DOWNWARD THROUGH THE SOIL,IT IS A PROPRIETARY BLEND OF SOIL,WATER AND ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY MODIFYING AGENTS,PLANTS EXTRACT WATER AND LEAVE MOST SALTS BEHIND,OVER A PERIOD OF TIME,THIS SALT CONCENTRATES IN THE ROOT ZONE OF CROPS,WATER AND SALTS WILL MOVE UP THROUGH THE SOIL PROFILE DUE TO EVAPOTRANSPIRATION UNLESS THERE IS ADEQUATE LEACHING OR DRAINAGE,IF YOU CANT FIND ANY E-MAIL ME,I CAN SEND YOU THE NAME OF THE COMPANY.

10/3/2002 10:11:43 AM