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pH

Does anyone know the application rate of ammonium sulphate

to adjust the pH of soil ? My problem is scab on my potato crop.

I have read that this can help reduce the problem.

Sandy

Posts

  • I would recommend adjusting your soil pH with either elemental sulfur or working peat moss into the soil before planting.  Ammonium sulfate will adjust pH but it takes multiple applications over time to have a significant effect, and you run the risk of hurting the plant with too much nitrogen.  My go to for adjusting pH is a combination of peat moss and calcium sulfate (gypsum) at 1 cu. ft. per 100 sq. feet and one pound (dry weight) per 100 sq. feet, respectively, worked into the top few inches of soil.  I add the gypsum to help with soil structure and add calcium to the soil.  Calcium is not phytotoxic so you really can't over do it and when you are lowering your pH calcium will leach from your soil so it is a good idea to replace what is lost.  In your case calcium will also help to make the plant more resistant to scab infection.  Wet the ground and wait a day then check your soil pH, if you still need to go lower, repeat or you could adjust further with elemental sulfur.  Use the sulfur sparingly, you won't know how your soil will respond until you try a little.  Lastly, I would get the soil right before planting anything.  Adjustment is possible once the plant is in the ground, but it could stress the plant.

  • leavesroots

    Really impressed with your knowledge.

    Very informative I will be trying your recommendations.

    I will let you know the results.

    Thanks again

    Sandy14

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