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hi all
i just got my soil test back and my organic matter% is a little low(6.2) i want to higer it up to about 10-11. How many cubic yards of leaf compost would i need for a 3,000 sq foot patch?? thanks!!

Martin

11/8/2008 12:49:36 PM

Colorado

hi martin,thats sort of a trick question.Adding leaf compost won't change the soil test initially because it has to be broken down first.I would try a sensible amount(1-2 inches)9.25-18.5 yards and see what your organic % is next fall.Remember steady wins the race.You might have to add that much for about three years to get it to 10%

11/8/2008 2:49:17 PM

Ok. Thanks Joe!!

11/8/2008 3:39:27 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Good advice Joe...I did the more-on thing a few years back and added way too much manure and leaf compost and OM was way too high....now I am down to around 20%.

11/8/2008 4:10:50 PM

Paradise Mountain, New York

A lot depends on what kind of soil you have also. It's hard for anyone to put just so many inches on. It's not like leveling concrete to make it smooth. Your organic matter you already have at 6.2 will drop some between now and next Spring. I would add about four inches.

11/8/2008 5:25:14 PM

Once again I would caution anyone in making or asking for suggestions without knowing what the "soil type" is. Even things as simple OM% depends on that in order to make the right approach to a balanced soil in the patch.

When sending off those samples ask the lab for a humic test other wise generally referred to as the Luebke test. That's the best place to start when targeting a desired OM% for future building of the soil.

Google works wonders for finding the info you need for explainations of how this all comes together.

11/8/2008 6:39:04 PM

churchville, ny

Did I read someplace that after adding a large amount of leaves you need to add extra nitrogen for the following year? I had eight 10 wheel dump trucks dropped off yesterday.

11/8/2008 6:41:34 PM

For example, I have sandy loam and my OM is 6.9% almost perfect for optimal in this type of soil. I have been building the "humic content" for 3 years now and am just about where I want it.

that said, yes joe and pb are both on the right track if you want to kick it up

just my 2 cents

11/8/2008 6:45:49 PM

swaintech,,,it's the brown versis green thing in a compost pile same deal

11/8/2008 6:47:49 PM

Wi

I had a 1200# pumpkin first of September this year on 3.7% OM....for what it's worth. 1400# by the first next year:)

11/8/2008 6:54:02 PM

Please disregard Chris S, he has been tuning up his snowmobile and obviously the "fumes" are getting to him again.

11/8/2008 8:09:59 PM

Paradise Mountain, New York

Swaintech, If it's just plain leaves and not leave compost, put it in a pile and add lots of nitrogen and add the compost next Spring.

11/8/2008 8:49:39 PM

so if i wanted 4 inches of leaf compost on my patch (3000 sq feet) that would be about 30-35 yards of leaf compost??
martin

11/8/2008 9:19:20 PM

Somers, CT

If I had OM of 6.2% I would sniff some of the gas fumes Chris did. HAHAHA! Dan, that was great at the expense of Chris but now I want to grow in Wisconsin. OM allows the nutrients to be sucked into the plant and are very important. Everyone wants to get rid of leaves in the fall and it is a great time to increase OM. Overall, OM of 6.5% is low. 10% is better and then look at getting a really good soil analysis, Univerity of Mass has a great deal for $13 that is worth it. CAC, NPK, micros and all the variables imporant to AG growing would be a start.

11/8/2008 9:20:00 PM

yep i got a analysis at umass.

11/9/2008 8:31:37 AM