![]() ![]() This mineral nitrogen, mined from the Atacama Desert in Chile, is almost immediately available to plant roots. If your soil is deficient in nitrogen, the only rock mineral fertilizer to use is nitrate of soda (16-0-0), which is also called sodium nitrate. Suspect nitrogen deficiency when new growth is pale, yellowish, or otherwise weak. Too much causes delayed flowering and fruiting and too little can cause stunted growth. Nitrogen is a major player in the growth of stems and leaves. These are available in synthetic, organic, and mineral forms. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K) are the three nutrients plants extract from soil in greatest quantity. Because this process relies upon active soil bacteria, sulfur is best applied in spring or summer, when the bacteria are most active. The bacteria oxidize the sulfur it then combines with water to form sulfuric acid, which acidifies the soil. The effect is delayed because soil-dwelling bacteria need time to break down the added sulfur and lower the pH. The sulfur products found in nurseries contain 90 percent elemental sulfur apply them in the fall to have the correct pH by spring. To lower pH of alkaline soils (above 7) apply sulfur. These products contain 65 to 80 percent calcium, but only 3 to 15 percent magnesium. Where magnesium levels are high, use a calcitic or oyster shell limestone. If a soil test indicates low to medium magnesium levels, use dolomitic limestone, which contains 46 to 51 percent calcium carbonate and 38 to 40 percent magnesium carbonate. Several types are available, and which you should use depends on the soil's magnesium content. Use lime to raise the pH of your acidic soil. Yearly addition of organic matter will also help keep the pH stable. One example is maintaining acidity in strongly alkaline western soils. Once your soil is at the desired pH, you may not need to intervene for another three to four years, though in some situations more frequent attention is required. The quantity of sulfur or lime to apply depends on your soil's present pH, the desired pH, and the soil type. The necessity of adjusting pH depends upon the kinds of plants you want to grow. ![]() If it is below 6, add limestone to raise it. Soils to the east of the Mississippi River andin the Pacific Northwest tend to be acidic (below 7), while soils in the Plains states, Rocky Mountain region, and Southwest are usually alkaline (above 7). The best pH range for most garden plants is 6 to 7. Most gardeners keep a close eye on the pH of their soil for these reasons. The measure of a soil's acidity or alkalinity is called pH, and the symptoms of a pH too low or too high for your plants are so many it makes sense to lump them under the heading "poor growth." More specifically, a too low or too high pH will reduce flower and fruit production, cause stunted growth, and promote various plant diseases. Many also include essential trace minerals that soils and plants need in only minute quantities.īelow, I describe the most common soil mineral deficiencies and how to remedy them using the different rock mineral fertilizers. Although both types have their pros and cons, rock-based mineral fertilizers and amendments have these specific advantages: They release the nutrients slowly, so one application can benefit the soil for years. Once you know which minerals are lacking, you have two choices: rock-based or synthetic fertilizers. Look in the yellow pages under "Soil Testing." The cost of an analysis varies but generally shouldn't run more than $30. This can be done at a cooperative extension office or a private laboratory. That's the only way to rule out a mineral deficiency as a cause of poor growth. If your plants have pale, yellow-green leaves or are stunted, or have small or few flowers and fruits, it may be time for a soil test. ![]()
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