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    Communities > Forums > Article: Don't Guess, Soil Test
    Forum: Article: Don't Guess, Soil TestReplies: 5, Views: 49
    AuthorContent
    rosa18
    Bartlett, IL (Zone 5a)

    November 19, 2007 3:19 PM

    Post #4209822

    Hello Paul,

    In early fall I had a soil test done. I live in zone 5a Chicago suburbs. My Magnesium levels we're off the charts. I grow 55 roses, all flowered and look well, but I would like to try and correct the magnesium levels. Will sulfur do the trick?
    Thanks for any help
    Jill

    paulgrow

    paulgrow
    Allen Park, MI (Zone 6a)

    November 19, 2007 6:26 PM

    Post #4210500

    I'm not sure, what was the pH on your test?

    Adding sulfur will make it more acidic.
    rosa18
    Bartlett, IL (Zone 5a)

    November 20, 2007 2:17 PM

    Post #4213319

    My ph was 7.2- Also our water is softened, do you think this add's to the high magnesium levels?
    Jill

    paulgrow

    paulgrow
    Allen Park, MI (Zone 6a)

    November 20, 2007 4:30 PM

    Post #4213812

    You're just slightly on the alkaline side, how you adjust the pH will depend on what you want to grow. A little sulfur wouldn't hurt if you're growing roses.

    I'm going to do some more checking on the magnesium levels and see if I can find out if they'll disapate on their own.
    I'll let you know. BTW did you add epsom salts?

    Paul
    rosa18
    Bartlett, IL (Zone 5a)

    November 24, 2007 1:57 PM

    Post #4224649

    No, I didn't add any epsom salt, that is why it is so puzzling to me. I know you shouldn't water with softened water, but the bypass is so hard to turn on the softener, so if my husband isn't home to adjust it for me, I just go ahead and water.
    I tried to find information on watering with softened water and the effects but I didn't have much luck. Someone advised growing a cover crop to leach out the magnesium, but that would be a big mess in my mind.
    Thanks for your help.

    paulgrow

    paulgrow
    Allen Park, MI (Zone 6a)

    November 24, 2007 2:00 PM

    Post #4224656

    IWe don't need a water softener but I would think that softened water it would be high in sodium not magnesium.
    I'm, still checking into this.

    Paul

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    Other Article: Don't Guess, Soil Test Threads you might be interested in:

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    Soil Testing telarsteve 1 Nov 20, 2007 11:08 AM
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