Soil Nutrition

Overview Soil Additives Ph of the soil Nutrition and Fertilizer –Organic –Inorganic

Soil Additives Perlite –Volcanic ash –Adds pores (air)

Soil Additives Vermiculite –Looks like mica –Good for starting plants and cuttings

Soil Additives Sphagnum Moss –Root growth Peat Moss –Used in almost all soils

Ph of the Soil Affects nutrients ability to get in plant Acid Base Add Sulfur (acid) it goes down Add Lime (base) it goes up

Nutrition Nutrients must be in liquid form to be used by plant –Rain –Liquid fertilizer Three Primary Nutrients in Fertilizer –(N) nitrogen –(P) phosphorus –(K) potassium

Fertilizer Application Foliar –Sprayed on the leaves Broadcasting –Spread evenly over entire ground Side-dressing –Placing in bands about 8 inches from row of plants

Types of Fertilizer Organic –(used to be alive) ex. Manure –Slow acting –Long lasting Inorganic –Usually “complete” All three nutrients (N, P, K) Fast acting (soluble)