tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post1276353381951020913..comments2024-03-28T14:37:45.575-04:00Comments on 5 Acres & A Dream: Two Soil Tests, A ComparisonLeighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-67558092205917837522018-06-07T07:20:37.119-04:002018-06-07T07:20:37.119-04:00I really appreciate your post and you explain each...I really appreciate your post and you explain each and every point very well. Thanks for sharing this information. keep it continued so that we can get benefits. <a href="http://enviro-disposal.com/" rel="nofollow">Urban Fill NJ</a>James Federhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00661526413808871823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-34401367942336335752017-05-16T21:36:02.193-04:002017-05-16T21:36:02.193-04:00Interesting! You are so right about wind eroding s...Interesting! You are so right about wind eroding soil by blowing it away. Such a fascinating subject. I'll have to look up the lab and test you used. Always interested in new resources. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-70161188545290308702017-05-16T21:32:02.032-04:002017-05-16T21:32:02.032-04:00I got two tests from Logan Labs, recommended by so...I got two tests from Logan Labs, recommended by soilminerals.com, $20 each. I tested my native sand, which unsurprisingly was pretty devoid of minerals. I think I figured out why- the winds here are obnoxious. Blows my soils away. <br /><br />My garden boxes are pure manure compost and were only a little low in Calcium. Which was enough to bring on the tomato hornworms. I added gypsum, for the calcium (and a little sulfur wouldnt hurt) as my magnesium was 15%. The next year I added dolomite (Ca/Mg) and searched for limestone as I had just read about limestone in Epigenetics, containing 60 minerals, as Joel Wallach points out is utilized by the Hunzas, who drink it as "glacial milk" and irrigate their crops with it. They live to be over 100. <br /><br />When i added Gypsum, my tomatoes recovered. Te next year I had a few hornworms, and they didnt devastate the plants like they did te first year I ad them. The plants did pretty well with dolomite, but wen I added the limestone, everything flourished. Jump in growth, production, and NO tomato hornworms. NONE. Lots of grasshoppers, who chose to not eat my other plants. I don't know what they were eating because I didn't even see bites on the weeds. Spread limestone all over the pasture, got great growth everywhere this spring. whisperingsagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04739430997780894077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-24620682465478816442012-05-17T06:20:29.083-04:002012-05-17T06:20:29.083-04:00Julene, yes, I've been contacting some growers...Julene, yes, I've been contacting some growers in the area. So far they've only pointed me toward websites that might be possibilities. No one has offered to include mine in their order. Not sure all of them actually use this approach though. A lot of organic growers just rely on manure and mulch.<br /><br />Jaime, it's true green manure can add a lot. Our biggest problem is that we don't have a farm tractor to do the plowing and tilling, and it's too much to do with a hand tiller (we've burned them up in the past doing this very thing!). The other consideration is that if the soil doesn't contain a nutrient, the plant can't necessarily add it. The plants need a source as well.Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-45393430178190874912012-05-16T23:00:55.952-04:002012-05-16T23:00:55.952-04:00Actually, I find this fascinating! I wonder if you...Actually, I find this fascinating! I wonder if you could plant certain cover crops to address the deficiencies, rather than sourcing additives?? I assume this type of pasture improvement would take quite a bit longer, though, since you need time to grow the crops and then till them in...<br />-JaimeNgo Family Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15484243776589015749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-48549331354587408202012-05-16T21:50:56.015-04:002012-05-16T21:50:56.015-04:00Interesting....and important to understand if one ...Interesting....and important to understand if one is wanting to do what you are doing! Organic has become very important to farming. Have you checked with a commercial organic grower? They may order the needed fertilizer for you. Just a thought. My husband is working for a large organic blueberry and hazelnut grower this year. They have to use approved methods for all growing...and they are the kind of people who are helpers. That is all you need! :))Julenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13745380264115669103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-7715354734992507882012-05-16T17:53:22.896-04:002012-05-16T17:53:22.896-04:00Donna, there is so much to learn! I'm glad it ...Donna, there is so much to learn! I'm glad it was useful to you. I hope you'll blog about yours; I'd really like to hear how another test goes for someone else. <br /><br />Jena, thanks for visiting. :)<br /><br />Lunalupis, I've been tempted to do one of those home soil test, but after reading Neal's book, could really see the value of an in depth test. Hopefully we can follow through with most of it and I can retest next year. That will be interesting!Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-27703505828917674662012-05-16T12:56:50.923-04:002012-05-16T12:56:50.923-04:00Even though this post is about your soil test, whi...Even though this post is about your soil test, which is exciting to read about (yes, we do get excited about dirt stats! LOL), It was very informative about the processes of going through other's services and actually reading the tests. I have always done soil and water analysis tests myself with 'home kits' and they just don't give as much info. Thank you for posting!lunalupishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14663071362629563148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-56405464076390682782012-05-16T11:42:42.337-04:002012-05-16T11:42:42.337-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Jenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04557423232641830222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-31940291938268494292012-05-16T01:46:46.950-04:002012-05-16T01:46:46.950-04:00Leigh, thanks so much for all your hard work in th...Leigh, thanks so much for all your hard work in this post. We are getting ready to test our soil again so this post was super timely. I learned a tonDonna OShaughnessyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08266654110280149719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-66468514541265774542012-05-15T22:04:49.500-04:002012-05-15T22:04:49.500-04:00Marissa, I so wish something like that would happe...Marissa, I so wish something like that would happen here too. It's hard to network in a community that doesn't' exist! I don't know of any organic farmers nearby, but I will definitely research that. There must be some resources somewhere.<br /><br /><br />Martha, thanks!<br /><br />Jasmine is doing okay, but I'm concerned about whether or not the leg will heal properly. Sometimes it looks okay, sometimes it's at a funny angle. With all the getting up and down she does, I can't imagine the bone will be able to knit together properly. At least she isn't in pain and her appetite is good. She enjoys the special laundry basketsful I bring her of weeds!<br /><br />Benita, I'm guessing he could tell. Kind of like Ma Ingalls could tell the temperature of her milk for cheesemaking by drops on the wrist. Of course I doubt too many folks would taste their soil today. Germs! LOL<br /><br />FFG, you've got me curious!<br /><br />Debbie, I used to think the same thing about dirt. It's been fascinating to learn about it. <br /><br />Badgerpendous, sure thing! They say the best way to learn is to "teach". Just trying to explain something in my own words really helps me a lot. <br /><br />Jean, thanks for the blog addy! I think those who went before were more in tune with their soils because of years of experience. They observed and put the clues together. That's almost a lost art today.Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-62755167149815144352012-05-15T15:56:46.004-04:002012-05-15T15:56:46.004-04:00I agree with Benita -- don't know how my fathe...I agree with Benita -- don't know how my father did it either, but it is interesting to learn about and I appreciate that you take the time to help educate all of us reading!<br /><br />Came across a blog you might like:<br />http://thekitchensgarden.com<br /><br />Jean - MNAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-57891337617156246792012-05-15T15:53:01.281-04:002012-05-15T15:53:01.281-04:00I think this stuff is fascinating. Keep the info c...I think this stuff is fascinating. Keep the info coming! Again, I just love your steady, measured approach.badgerpendoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02540038174008061800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-54726183822441977692012-05-15T15:14:18.194-04:002012-05-15T15:14:18.194-04:00I'm a city girl, so to me, Dirt is Dirt. Obvio...I'm a city girl, so to me, Dirt is Dirt. Obviously it really isn't! I'm glad you had the analyses done - good luck with finding the organic amendments you need.DebbieBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00508692845369401119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-58940134622822211512012-05-15T14:57:27.230-04:002012-05-15T14:57:27.230-04:00Got an idea for you. I'll contact you via ema...Got an idea for you. I'll contact you via email.Florida Farm Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14788091314337673170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-32729799986125227852012-05-15T12:51:58.805-04:002012-05-15T12:51:58.805-04:00Actually, I found all of this very interesting. I...Actually, I found all of this very interesting. I wonder how old-time farmers were able to do this without these tests. I remember my grandfather feeling the soil with his fingers, smelling it and tasting it before deciding if lime or whatever was needed. I assume he learned from his father. Actually pretty fascinating. I always wondered if he was right or if it was just luck that everything seemed to grow just fine.Benitahttp://www.basicallybenita.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-58885463500615904632012-05-15T11:00:08.645-04:002012-05-15T11:00:08.645-04:00Leigh, I too laughed at the is anyone still readin...Leigh, I too laughed at the is anyone still reading comment. All the information about the "dirt" was interesting, although to be truthful I don't always understand all of it. <br /><br />How is Jasmine doing?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-53113057833557679452012-05-15T10:54:51.699-04:002012-05-15T10:54:51.699-04:00At a great class called 'The New Farmers Works...At a great class called 'The New Farmers Workshop', I learned a lot about soil testing. The Austin area is booming with wannabe small organic farmers so this is big stuff here. The soil in Central Texas apparently has special issues and all the experienced farmers giving the talks recommended a specific lab to have your soil tested because our soil can be tricky to figure out what to add, etc.<br /><br />So keep in mind, for your particular area, there may be one lab that is better, or more knowledgeable, about the type of soil you have. Do you have nearby organic producers? They might be able to shed some light on the differences between the two tests, or even recommend a third one!Marissahttp://sandhollerfarm.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-88637896663663185032012-05-15T10:18:21.907-04:002012-05-15T10:18:21.907-04:00Sunnybrook, thanks! Some of us find this stuff fas...Sunnybrook, thanks! Some of us find this stuff fascinating and I'm glad to be in good company. I agree about testing as able. I think that's what we'll have to do. I'll be reading the post you mention soon. Sounds like a good one. <br /><br />Natalie, how funny but I'm with you! Neal Kinsey actually recommends having your compost and manure tested as well as the soil. He sited one case where a large scale producer had actually over-manured and caused a mineral imbalance in their soil. Even so, I do the same in our vegetable garden.<br /><br />Sherri, that's a good idea. In fact Dan and I were discussing that. Trouble is, there aren't many organic growers in our area. Maybe though, we could team up for an order if others are interested.Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-53291525027982097412012-05-15T10:05:43.510-04:002012-05-15T10:05:43.510-04:00Maybe you could contact a grower of organic food a...Maybe you could contact a grower of organic food and find what they use on their land...I would think that they would need large quantities of whatever you are needing for your earth. <br /><br />I'm snickering to myself about the two reports. The government one, that we have already paid for in one way or another, requires a fee above that and you get less product. The private one you pay but get real info and some common sense (smile). xoSherri B.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03956294100834139745noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-44867648303118480372012-05-15T10:03:37.966-04:002012-05-15T10:03:37.966-04:00I don't have animals, so I have never thought ...I don't have animals, so I have never thought to test the soil. I have wondered about the growing conditions for particular plants (like blueberries). I do know that my soil isn't very great (it looks like dust for a few months of the year) but I just keep adding manure and compost wherever I can and mulch and hope for the best. I had to laugh at your comment about "is anyone still reading". My husband thinks I am a little cookoo because I think the rows of dirt pre-planting look "pretty".Nataliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12447113571069402625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-33252148588136945462012-05-15T09:02:53.311-04:002012-05-15T09:02:53.311-04:00Ha, I read the whole posting as it was interesting...Ha, I read the whole posting as it was interesting. The soil in my garden is visibly different so I came to the conclusion that I would have to test various sections if I could afford it. I can roughly tell where to fertilize by how things grow, this can be the hard way to test though. Read my posting on My Brown Movement before you go out to get manure, I have got contaminated manure which is not a good thing. http://mybrownmovement.blogspot.com/Sunnybrook Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18135224259672444423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-21438766939688814922012-05-15T08:00:44.277-04:002012-05-15T08:00:44.277-04:00Barb, thanks! Vermont seems lightyears away, but I...Barb, thanks! Vermont seems lightyears away, but I'm tucking every resource under my hat. :)<br /><br />Tanya, it's a shame, isn't it? But then our state is fully sold over to commercial farming and agribiz. They seem to assume that most folks want to grow lawns and flowers. <br /><br />Kinsey Ag is all about balanced soils, so at least the recommendations are for organics in measured quantities. If using manure, they recommend that it be tested first because not all manures are equal. An animal grazing on a nutrient rich soil will have nutrient rich manure. An animal fed on a nitrogen starved pasture, will obviously have less nitrogen in the manure. <br /><br />Nina, it is interesting and you'd think a state university would know this stuff. Actually, Neal Kinsey says he didn't learn it at university, but from retired professor William A. Albrecht. Prof Albrecht held private classes for interested students, of which Mr. Kinsey was one. Sadly, Mr. Albrecht was canned when a large chemical company gave a significant donation to the university he taught at.<br /><br />Bettina, I might as well be in Ireland! I did find someone only 133 miles away who is willing to order it. A closer nursery (57 miles) said they would, but hasn't been answering my emails so I guess they changed their minds.Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-79834897015616741292012-05-15T07:33:34.282-04:002012-05-15T07:33:34.282-04:00again, this kind of makes me glad that I only have...again, this kind of makes me glad that I only have the small veggie plot:) and around here it would be just as difficult to get that stuff. anything conventional? just go to the mart. anything else? be glad if you don't have to import it from who knows where...Woolly Bitshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11961632742998726155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-67778192801115158042012-05-15T07:32:34.925-04:002012-05-15T07:32:34.925-04:00It is interesting. As well as the science behind ...It is interesting. As well as the science behind it, it's interesting to see the differences between commercial agricultural practices and small, organically oriented practices. It does sound like an expensive proposition to test all the growing areas.Ninahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07049476969325691637noreply@blogger.com