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Location

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Newmarket, NH USA

This year I plan to try and watch my soil nitrogen levels a lot closer. Last year I was at 9ppm after my first soil test and was told to add to my soil some nitrogen I added 10 pounds of blood meal 12-0-0 over 3700 sq feet I did not think this was that much and my soil recommendation was for a little more I always apply conservative. I ended up blowing up 2 pumpkins in 08. I saw Steve Connolly had levels of 196 ppm in the newsletter article.And I feel that is very high. I was told by a top grower that he feels that 30 ppm is probably a good place to start the season at. What do you all think and what do you use to raise it if needed. And how often should I test as the season progresses.

3/22/2009 8:06:47 PM

I would not go over 30ppm. Start out using 3# of blood meal per 750 sq feet. You can always top dress nitrogen while the vines are growing.

Martin

3/22/2009 8:17:24 PM

Colorado Springs, CO

Why the intense focus on just the Nitrogen ? Great for vine and leaf growth. That measurement in many testing procedures is perhaps most likely to vary with periodic tests throughout the season. It can vary based on depth of sample, the time of day, sun or shade, temperature of the soil, and relative levels of moisture in that soil. Without consistency to meet sampling standards on your part as sampling is done....you run the risk of seeing differing measurements.

Consider being VERY precise about it, and plot the values the lab gives you on a chart with notes on the how-and-when part for conditions at the moments of sampling (into sealed containment). A smooth trend-line of "averages" over the series of all plotted points might end up being satisfactory nonetheless. Ignore the peaks and the troughs.

Now the only variable is the relative amount of decayed, and available, humic material in the location of your samples.

3/23/2009 11:22:38 PM

So. Maine

Hey Matt , U still interested in the big H2O tank I offered you last fall ? Al

3/24/2009 8:42:35 PM

Newmarket, NH USA

Al I dont know I think I am going to build a tea brewer and purchase a pump to apply it and I have some plastic 55 gallon drums that I want to use as they have an open top. I change my mind about once a day on things lol. If someone else wants it let them have it as I think I will be ok. Matt

3/25/2009 11:16:34 AM

So. Maine

A-OK Matt , Good luck with the tea brewer ... WATCH OUT ! if you brew something stronger Jim K. will be over in a New Youk Minute ... LOL

3/25/2009 10:35:51 PM