Balancing Soil
No matter what seed starting soil you use, how well you fertilize or how many millions of microbes you let loose in your field you will never achieve your maximum yield without balancing your soil.
This can be a daunting task, but with some effort, patience, a plan, and a good partner, it can be done. At Ohio Earth Food we believe that soil should be tested every 2 years, preferably in the fall when the summer crop has taken what it needs and put back what it will. We also believe in the base exchange theory of achieving peak soil performance pioneered by Dr. William Albrecht. Details of this theory and his life can be understood by reading Neal Kinsey’s Hands On Agronomy, The Ideal Soil by Michael Astera and this profile from John Ikerd
Details on how to submit a soil test to Ohio Earth Food can be seen here
When you get results back they will detail how to start getting soil balanced with amendments that can be used for certified organic production. We are also happy to look at results from other labs.
How and when to apply amendments
- Hi Calcium Lime – Use when soil is low in Calcium and high in Magnesium, will raise pH. Apply to surface in fall or just before spring thaw. Consult soil test on how much to apply.
- Dolomite Lime - Use when soil is low in Calcium and Magnesium, will raise pH. Apply to surface in fall or just before spring thaw. Consult soil test on how much to apply.
- Elemental Sulfur – Use to bring down pH. Apply to surface in fall and incorporate into soil, needs time to work. Consult soil test on how much to apply, never more than ½ lb. per 100 sf or 200 lbs. per acre.
- Gypsum – Use when soil is low in Calcium and or Sulfur but pH is high or good, will not raise pH. Apply to surface in fall or just before spring thaw. Consult soil test on how much to apply.
- Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate) - CONSULT CERTIFIER – Use when soil is low in Magnesium and sulfur but pH is high so Dolomite lime can not be used.
- Rock Phosphate - Use when soil is low in Phosphorus and or Calcium. Incorporate into soil in fall or spring, needs time to work. Consult soil test on how much to apply.
- Sulfate of Potash – Use when soil is deficient in Potassium and or sulfur. Apply in spring or fall to surface and incorporate. Consult soil test on how much to apply.
- AZOMITE – Provides trace minerals, including zinc and copper in natural levels. Will not alter pH. Apply to surface in fall or spring and incorporate.
- Boron – CONSULT CERTIFIER – Spray on Solubor soluble or spread 10% granular and incorporate in fall or spring. Consult soil test on how much to apply.