soil tests - Ask Extension
I completed soil tests on my yard and found that I have PH of 6.5 and depleted nitrogen around my acid loving plants. I have read many articles on th...
Knowledgebase
soil tests #864729
Asked April 16, 2024, 11:40 AM EDT
I completed soil tests on my yard and found that I have PH of 6.5 and depleted nitrogen around my acid loving plants. I have read many articles on the internet with various answers. Would you tell me how to correct those numbers naturally as well as what fertilizers I need to purchase. I did purchase some chicken manure which I have not put out yet.
Polk County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear Virginia,
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension about amending your soil. We always recommend getting a laboratory soil test before amending soil since this is the only way you can know which amendments are needed, as well as the rate to apply.
Manures will build the soil structure as well as help your soil to retain moisture and nutrients. However, they must be fully mature so as not to burn the plants. (Chicken manure takes about 6 months to mature.) The nutrients they supply are released slowly over long periods, which is why manures and compost are not classified as fertilizers.
Other sources of nitrogen include:
Often, soil tests do not include nitrogen (N) because it moves so rapidly through plants and the soil. Heavy rain is enough to change the N content in your garden soil. For this reason, N must be applied in small amounts but regularly. Depending on what type of fertilizer you are using (liquid, dry, time-release, etc.), you should always follow the instructions on the label. The label is the law, literally, and the product must be used as directed.
That being said, these articles give a good explanation of N fertilizers although the second is more specific to blueberries:
The key to getting a good soil test is to provide a good sample. Here is some information that will help with sampling and finding a lab that can give you the information you need. Be sure to let the lab know what kind of plants you are growing.
https://www.simplysoiltesting.com/
https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/ec628
https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em8677
https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/ec1478
The lab should provide recommendations on what to add to your soil and the rate to apply.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have additional questions, please feel free to write to us again.
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension about amending your soil. We always recommend getting a laboratory soil test before amending soil since this is the only way you can know which amendments are needed, as well as the rate to apply.
Manures will build the soil structure as well as help your soil to retain moisture and nutrients. However, they must be fully mature so as not to burn the plants. (Chicken manure takes about 6 months to mature.) The nutrients they supply are released slowly over long periods, which is why manures and compost are not classified as fertilizers.
Other sources of nitrogen include:
Alfalfa meal
Ammonium sulfate 21-0-0
Blood meal 13-0-0 or 12.5-1.5-0.6)
Cottonseed meal
Feather meal (chicken) 13-0-0*
Fish emulsion (5-1-1) (fast-acting organic fertilizer) (Apply more frequently)
Urea 42 to 46-0-0 (fast-acting organic fertilizer)
* Studies on feather meal show that a high amounts of N is released in first 10 days after application; a modest amount is released 10-40 days after application, and only a minimal amount is released thereafter.
Often, soil tests do not include nitrogen (N) because it moves so rapidly through plants and the soil. Heavy rain is enough to change the N content in your garden soil. For this reason, N must be applied in small amounts but regularly. Depending on what type of fertilizer you are using (liquid, dry, time-release, etc.), you should always follow the instructions on the label. The label is the law, literally, and the product must be used as directed.
That being said, these articles give a good explanation of N fertilizers although the second is more specific to blueberries:
- https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/heres-scoop-chemical-organic-fertilizers
- https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-1560-acidifying-soil-blueberries-ornamental-plants-yard-garden-west-cascade-mountain
The key to getting a good soil test is to provide a good sample. Here is some information that will help with sampling and finding a lab that can give you the information you need. Be sure to let the lab know what kind of plants you are growing.
https://www.simplysoiltesting.com/
https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/ec628
https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em8677
https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/ec1478
The lab should provide recommendations on what to add to your soil and the rate to apply.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have additional questions, please feel free to write to us again.
