too much manure? - Ask Extension
I made the mistake of having 5 yards of "topsoil" delivered before looking at it. It was comprised of (about) 75% dry (composted?) cow manure and 25%...
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too much manure? #402438
Asked May 25, 2017, 5:17 PM EDT
I made the mistake of having 5 yards of "topsoil" delivered before looking at it. It was comprised of (about) 75% dry (composted?) cow manure and 25% red soil. I put it in my new beds and have noticed seeding coming up (if at all) yellow and some disfigured. I purchased a soil test kit and was surprised to see little color change on both the nitrogen and potasium (so little color they really went readable. I would have thought the Nitrogen would have read very high!?
So I am not sure what is going on. The natural of the soil is very porous - could it be that drying is leading to this? Some of the mature planting (purchased bedding plants) have yet to exhibit changes but they have only been in a week or two. I have attached some pics.
The seedling are sunflower and red ornamental millet.
Could you point me towards some potential remedy or further tests?
Chester County Pennsylvania
Expert Response
I've had a similar problem with soil that was delivered by a landscaping company. My advice is to get a soil test kit from your local Penn State Extension. Ask them to send it to you if you can't get to the extension office.
Penn State will give you an accurate readout and tell you what to do. With manure, it could be too much salt for example. Sometimes herbicides used in the pasture persist in horse manure.
My solution was to start my seeds in seed starting cells while I waited for the soil test results. I lost green beans and spinach, but my carrots grew. The other thing I did was to put bagged organic growing mix into wells I made in the soil and grow my tomatoes in those. Let Penn State know about the seedling death in the comments section. I know how tough it is when you're all set and the unexpected happens. If you need more help, let me know.
Penn State will give you an accurate readout and tell you what to do. With manure, it could be too much salt for example. Sometimes herbicides used in the pasture persist in horse manure.
My solution was to start my seeds in seed starting cells while I waited for the soil test results. I lost green beans and spinach, but my carrots grew. The other thing I did was to put bagged organic growing mix into wells I made in the soil and grow my tomatoes in those. Let Penn State know about the seedling death in the comments section. I know how tough it is when you're all set and the unexpected happens. If you need more help, let me know.
