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After a soil test I have ... #241477

Asked May 04, 2015, 10:54 AM EDT

After a soil test I have found out that my soil does not have any nitrogen. Potassium and phosphorus are abundant. I know I need to add a fertilizer with mainly nitrogen, any suggestions? I want to start planting veggies asap.

St. Louis County Minnesota

Expert Response

You were very wise to get a soil test. Many people don't think they need to and instead think more fertilizer is always the answer. Our local soils are often high in phosphorous to begin with. When we fertilize with the normal n-p-k (nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, the levels can build up to be toxic.

Nitrogen is difficult to assess in the soil as it changes constantly. It travels through the soil quickly and can be added by something as cool as a lightning storm. The soil test didn't actually try to measure your nitrogen level, but it should give you a suggested amount of nitrogen to add.

Nitrogen fertilizer is actually pretty easy to find. Lawn fertilizer! Make sure it doesn't have any crabgrass preventer or anything like that in it and try to find one that says it is "slow release." This will reduce the chance of burn and will feed your veggies for a while. I am in the same boat as you and bought some at a big box store last week that said it released over two months. I think it has a very small amount of potassium, but not enough to be concerned about. If you use only this type of fertilizer for a few years, a new test might show your soils are back in balance. 

There are other types of nitrogen only fertilizers available like ammonium sulphate. It will lower your pH slightly. If like most of us up north you also have a high pH (over 7) or will be growing acid-loving plants that might be a good option. It can be found at some garden centers and feed stores. Aluminum sulfate will provide nitrogen, but can build up in the soil, so it is not a good choice. 

Good luck with your garden!


Terri  Replied May 06, 2015, 9:14 AM EDT

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