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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: Sarah-b on April 26, 2005, 21:19:19

Title: Acidifying spuds??
Post by: Sarah-b on April 26, 2005, 21:19:19
Because of my ph 8 scenario, I am going to sprinkle sulph of ammonia on the spuds. Now. does it matter if I get any on the leaves ?
I have a large packet - do i just sprinkle it on. Does anyone know how many small-handfulls per square metre?

Thanks,
Sarah.
Title: Re: Acidifying spuds??
Post by: growmore on April 26, 2005, 21:34:39
 It can be hot stuff wouldnt use it on spuds its more for top growth..
blood fish and bone ...or growmore would be better...see what vothers say ..Jim
Title: Re: Acidifying spuds??
Post by: Lizard Man on April 26, 2005, 23:04:11
Quote from: growmore on April 26, 2005, 21:34:39
blood fish and bone ...or growmore would be better...

Are you offering you're services there, growmore?!
Title: Re: Acidifying spuds??
Post by: tim on April 27, 2005, 06:33:06
Sarah - as said, take care how you apply it. But I would not have thought that your foliage was already so lush as to be a nuisance?

I would have thought that the treatment should have been made earlier - don't know.

To get from pH8 to pH6, the recommendation is 140gm/sq metre. Just scuff it into the surface.
Title: Re: Acidifying spuds??
Post by: Sarah-b on April 27, 2005, 09:12:37
Think I'll just cautiously sprinkle a little bit where there are no leaves showing through and then maybe a sprinkle of seaweed too and then a little bit of raking and scuffing.

Worry, worry,
Sarah.
Title: Re: Acidifying spuds??
Post by: growmore on April 27, 2005, 09:49:04
If You do use it water it in well .   That way You stand less chance of it scorching leaves and shoots.  Jim
Title: Re: Acidifying spuds??
Post by: philcooper on April 27, 2005, 10:11:32
Sulphate of ammonia is a strong source of nitrogen - as has been said above this will produce lots of top growth.

If you're trying to reduce the pH rapidly try using sulphur chips or plant the tubers on a bed of grass cuttings or FYM and cover with the same

Phil
Title: Re: Acidifying spuds??
Post by: Sarah-b on April 27, 2005, 10:53:46
Ok then Phil - will leave the sulphate of ammonia in the cupboard - should I use it as part of the Autumn digging regime?
Have put the tubers on top of soil that is on top of wet straw. Have then covered with heavily manured soil - can mulch with grass clippings.

I have a soggy heap of old grass clippings mixed with nettle tops - would that be a good thing?

Thanks for all the advice- this really isn't the sort of help you can find in a book.

Sarah.
Title: Re: Acidifying spuds??
Post by: philcooper on April 28, 2005, 10:23:37
As you are using a no dig technique, the pH of the soil will not effect the spuds and the soggy grass mix will be good; I would fork it up a it to get a bit of air in.

Sulphate of Ammonia is a nitrogen feed, nitrogen is leeched form the soil in the winter so adding it in Autumn will just get rid of it

If you have some on hand I would use it as an accelerant on the compost heap - if you don't have any, don't buy it use the grass cuttings and green mature

Phil
Title: Re: Acidifying spuds??
Post by: tim on April 28, 2005, 16:03:45
No argument with sulphur - I was answering the first question.  And the rate quoted is straight from the book.