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Soil fertility and possible vermiculite problem
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Soil fertility and possible vermiculite problem
I found this site online and it explains soil fertility and NPK usage very well. I was especially interested in the paragraph which discussed how vermiculite can adsorb or fix potassium to its edge or between its layers and slow the availability of potassium to the plant. However, if I understood correctly, that nonexchangeable K can maneuver itself around to become exchangeable K, but there are conditions which must be met and others which can hinder the process.
(After reading this article I wonder how plants manage to grow at all. It's an amazing process.)
http://soil.gsfc.nasa.gov/soilfert/npk.htm
(After reading this article I wonder how plants manage to grow at all. It's an amazing process.)
http://soil.gsfc.nasa.gov/soilfert/npk.htm
ander217- Posts : 1450
Join date : 2010-03-16
Age : 69
Location : Southeastern Missouri (6b)
Re: Soil fertility and possible vermiculite problem
wild!
kind of reminds me of activated charcoal and the adsorption it can do with both toxins and nutrients.
i would think that since the soil is so strongly amended with compost that the overall nutrient level is going to be much higher than the 'average' garden bed that it might be a moot point?
but perhaps somethikng to consider in future plantings and to generously amend with more compost than is 'officially' needed per square ('the whole one trowel thing). i know i always put in a huge scoopful from an old ricotta cheese or yogurt container so there's more than is recommended.
mel told me when he was at my house that it's always ok to add more compost. the danger comes in when not adding enough or any when replanting for next succession. . . because of nutrient loss from last crop. he remiinded me also that in the various other countries that don't have easy access to peat moss, vermiculite and the like that he advocates growing in straight compost.
thanks so much for sharing this article. made me put on my thinking cap and ponder this for a bit.
would love to know more of your insights on this topic.
kind of reminds me of activated charcoal and the adsorption it can do with both toxins and nutrients.
i would think that since the soil is so strongly amended with compost that the overall nutrient level is going to be much higher than the 'average' garden bed that it might be a moot point?
but perhaps somethikng to consider in future plantings and to generously amend with more compost than is 'officially' needed per square ('the whole one trowel thing). i know i always put in a huge scoopful from an old ricotta cheese or yogurt container so there's more than is recommended.
mel told me when he was at my house that it's always ok to add more compost. the danger comes in when not adding enough or any when replanting for next succession. . . because of nutrient loss from last crop. he remiinded me also that in the various other countries that don't have easy access to peat moss, vermiculite and the like that he advocates growing in straight compost.
thanks so much for sharing this article. made me put on my thinking cap and ponder this for a bit.
would love to know more of your insights on this topic.
happyfrog- Posts : 625
Join date : 2010-03-04
Location : USA
Soil fertility and possible vermiculite problem
Hi
Perhaps I can make one or two points on this intresting subject, with regard to 'NPK' fertilizers usage on soil.
OK, it is true that the three main elements are nitrogen, phosphorus and potash (potassium) are important in the context of a living soil. It is how these nutrients are delivered and become water-soluble that is important to the understanding of plant nutrition, not instance gratification for the plant by introducing NPK fertilizers, hence the saying 'Feed the soil, not the plant.' Feed the micro-organisms, the mycorrhizae and other soil life provide the right condition, and the nutrition of the plant will be taken care of automatically.
We (meaning plants, animals and ourselves) introduce organic waste - humus to the soil, which is essential to maintaing a good soil tilth -an open sponge like structure, which maintains good aeration and has the abiliy to hold large reserves of water. It contains plant food instore, for release by micro-organisms when needed by plants. Humus is the essential organic ingredient in soil, without which soil life would all but cease to exist.
A lot more can be said, but I hope this gives a little insight into a very complex cycle of life in the soil which in turn feed all the plants and feeds the world .
Perhaps I can make one or two points on this intresting subject, with regard to 'NPK' fertilizers usage on soil.
OK, it is true that the three main elements are nitrogen, phosphorus and potash (potassium) are important in the context of a living soil. It is how these nutrients are delivered and become water-soluble that is important to the understanding of plant nutrition, not instance gratification for the plant by introducing NPK fertilizers, hence the saying 'Feed the soil, not the plant.' Feed the micro-organisms, the mycorrhizae and other soil life provide the right condition, and the nutrition of the plant will be taken care of automatically.
We (meaning plants, animals and ourselves) introduce organic waste - humus to the soil, which is essential to maintaing a good soil tilth -an open sponge like structure, which maintains good aeration and has the abiliy to hold large reserves of water. It contains plant food instore, for release by micro-organisms when needed by plants. Humus is the essential organic ingredient in soil, without which soil life would all but cease to exist.
A lot more can be said, but I hope this gives a little insight into a very complex cycle of life in the soil which in turn feed all the plants and feeds the world .
Charles- Posts : 8
Join date : 2010-09-18
Location : Meltham Holmfirth West Yorkshire UK
Re: Soil fertility and possible vermiculite problem
BUMP
To grow fabulous food in the Square Foot Garden, the growing mix (Mel's Mix) needs to be healthy and have the nutrients the plants need. This is the reason for the 5 types of compost. The more sources you get, the higher the probability of getting all the nutrients your plants need into the mix. Here is a good read about indicators that there may be a problem with the availability of nutrients to your garden plants.
Among other things, if you choose to make your Mel's Mix with less than 5 different types of compost you run a greater risk of seeing these things listed in the article.
Some signs that your plants may be in trouble
To grow fabulous food in the Square Foot Garden, the growing mix (Mel's Mix) needs to be healthy and have the nutrients the plants need. This is the reason for the 5 types of compost. The more sources you get, the higher the probability of getting all the nutrients your plants need into the mix. Here is a good read about indicators that there may be a problem with the availability of nutrients to your garden plants.
Among other things, if you choose to make your Mel's Mix with less than 5 different types of compost you run a greater risk of seeing these things listed in the article.
Some signs that your plants may be in trouble
43 years a gardener and going strong with SFG.
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t3574-the-end-of-july-7-weeks-until-frost
There are certain pursuits which, if not wholly poetic and true, do at least suggest a nobler and finer relation to nature than we know. The keeping of bees, for instance. ~ Henry David Thoreau
https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t1306-other-gardening-books
Re: Soil fertility and possible vermiculite problem
Thanks for that link... some very valuable information there
curio- Posts : 388
Join date : 2012-02-22
Location : Maritime Pacific Northwest zone 8A/B with ugly heat scale
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