Newsletter/Blog


2010-08-23
QUICK TIPS - Nutrients in Soil


  • Calcium : most common soil that is low n calcium is acid, sandy soil along the sea coasts.  Adding limestone to this soil type helps raise the calcium level and raises the pH too
  • Phosphorus : lack of phosphorus will cause plants to be stunted.  Shady or shale soils that don't contain much organic matter are most likely to be phosphorus-deficient.  Adding bonemeal will raise phosphorus level
  • Potassium : helps fight disease, strengthen stalks, improves quality of fruit and seeds.  Shady or shale soils that don't contain much organic matter are most likely to be potassium-deficient.  Adding manure, (should only be added if it has been aged for more than six months) will raise potassium levels
  • Magnesium : makes plants green.  Sandy, acid soils may be low in magnesium and benefit from additions of dolomitic limestone (also called magnesium lime)