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STAMFORD CT

Recieved my Soil Test back today...PH is 7.3 and I'd like to bring it down to around 6.8 in a relatively short period of time. I've used Aluminum Sulfate before and have heard about using Ammonium Sulfate....any preferences or other suggestions out there? Thanks, Dean

4/10/2008 7:46:39 PM

Denver, CO

might check out the all the post in the soil prepreation board. Lots of information there about what you need to do. But Sulfate is generally considered dangerous to the plants.

4/10/2008 9:36:09 PM

Utah

to bring your pH down quickly I'd think that you'd want to use straight sulfur (elemental sulfur) rather than a sulfate. Ammonium Sulfate is a commonly used fertilizer in alkaline western soils. I have used in on my lawn (a lot) and patch.

4/10/2008 11:08:54 PM

Ohio

If it was me Id leave it alone, your PH will come down during the growing season, a lot of guys would be comfortable with a PH reading like that.

Brooks

4/11/2008 8:33:17 AM

Trumbull, CT 06611, USA

Dean........I would not change the ph if it was 7.3. Mine was over 7 last year and is the same this year. Send me an email if you want to chat. I live in Trumbull, CT

Thanks....Ray Leonzi ([email protected])

4/11/2008 9:04:49 AM

Saegertown Pa.

every year my ph is 7 to 7.3 if it's above 7.1 I put some sulfer down and I don't worry about it.

4/11/2008 9:07:34 AM

Bethlehem CT

Ditto what Brooks said.

4/11/2008 9:09:24 AM

Picton,ON ([email protected])

I agree with the above replies. If you require additional Nitrogen, in a higher PH soil, AMS (ammonium sulphate) is your best source, as it will help lower the PH over time. However, the amount of sulphur you will get out of the small amount of AMS applied with have very little effect on your PH in the short term. If you are sure you want to lower your PH from 7.3 to 6.8, your best choice is 90% elemental sulphur. The rate required depends a lot on the amount of free Calcium Carbonate in your soil. This basically means if your soil is a limestone base it is most likely high in free calcium carbonate. In our soils here in southern Ontario we would require about 50 to 75 lbs of 90% sulphur per 1000 ft2 to lower the PH from 7.3 to 6.8. In your soils you may not need quite as much, so you may want to start with 25 or 30 lbs. Always apply sulphur in the spring and incorporate well. It requires heat and moisture to facilitate the chemical reaction of converting the sulphate to sulphuric acid. Wait until next spring and re-test.

Hope this was helpful

John

4/11/2008 11:05:04 AM

[email protected]

Another vote to leave it alone. Jack Larue's pH is right where your's is.

4/11/2008 12:49:42 PM

San Diego, Ca.

No one has mentioned peat moss does a good job of lowering your pH quickly but it can be pricy.

4/11/2008 3:51:56 PM

Long Island,New York

Leave it be. 7.3 wont adversely effect the plant at all, will go lower over time naturally in the east and actually is said to help minimize bad soil fungi.....G

4/11/2008 5:42:07 PM

Coupeville WA

Don Young grew his 1662 last year with a soil ph of 7.2

4/11/2008 6:05:59 PM

STAMFORD CT

Then 7.3 is where I will leave it. Thank you all for your input and Good Luck in your patches this year. Thanks, Dean

4/11/2008 6:54:35 PM

Pocatello ([email protected])

Ammonium Sulfate is essential here. It's the only thing that gets my plants to grow.

4/11/2008 10:53:16 PM