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Soil test for Organic Garden #891490

Asked January 11, 2025, 10:08 AM EST

Good morning, I am involved in an organic garden and wondering what amendments are needed to my personal plot. I am reading about the MSU soil test. Will the information come back with only fertilizer recommendations or will organic recommendations be provided? Thank you

Kent County Michigan

Expert Response

The recommendations can be used for organic production, but will only tell you how much of the main nutrients are needed. You would need to identify an appropriate organic nutrient source, though we can provide assistance with that if you need it.

Here is a link to the report for one of my plots, so you can see what your report would look like. When you read through it, you will find a section detailing natural organic fertilizer options. Please note that organic amendments that add nutrients to the soil are considered organic fertilizers and are appropriate to use for organic production.

https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/your-results/code/758PQ4

Here is some information on fertilizer use, including a section on organic nutrient sources and a table that includes the nutrient contributions of several organic sources.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/fertilizer_basics_for_the_smart_gardener


Thank you for contacting Ask Extension! Replied January 13, 2025, 9:23 AM EST

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