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Soil Test Results #867071

Asked May 05, 2024, 8:24 AM EDT

concerned about high levels of phosphorous and Magnesium in my veggie garden i have been adding compost every year which sounds like the problem? Pro-Gro 5-3-4 is North Country Organics and my go to fertilizer Curiously everything has preformed quite well over the past several years. I'm going to retest the sample that has lead in it. That is a total head scratcher. What is my best approach this year?

Addison County Vermont

Expert Response

Hello Michael, 

Thank you for reaching out to the EMG Helpline and for sharing your soil test results. 

Considering phosphorus and potassium are reported as excessive, it seems reasonable not to add fertilizers, compost, or manure this year. A potential source of excess magnesium may be added epsom salts, so avoid the addition of epsom salt this year as well. 

To add the recommended nitrogen to your garden, seek fertilizers that only contain nitrogen. A few organic options include blood meal (fast acting) or feather meal (slow release). You may also consider lowering your soil pH with the addition of elemental sulfur. 

It may take a few years for the excess nutrients to return to normal levels. Regular testing can help you continue to monitor the situation. You can also consider using cover crops that provide nitrogen and improve soil health without adding extra phosphorus to your soil. 

Please check out this guide for heavy metals in soils. https://www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/factsheets/interpreting_heavy_metals_soil_tests.pdf 

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