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Soil Test Interpretation: How much Nitrogen/100 sq. ft. #868590

Asked May 15, 2024, 4:04 PM EDT

Concerning soil test #89922. Lab #176126. The results of the test indicates that I need to add Nitrogen (.15 lbs/100 sq. ft.). I have Ammonium Sulfate (21-0-0) as a source of nitrogen. The plot in question is about 10 sq. ft.. I don't have a scale that can measure .15 lbs much less .015 lbs. Please advise. Thanks!

Washington County Minnesota

Expert Response

I do not have access to the system's soil test results. Would you be able to scan the results so I can see them? Thank you.
Amy J. Extension Master Gardener - HC Replied May 20, 2024, 10:55 PM EDT

Amy,

See attached.  Thanks!

Steve

On 5/20/2024 9:55 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
The Question Asker Replied May 22, 2024, 9:59 AM EDT
First, good job in having your soil tested. Many people don't want to spend the time or money, then they spend a lot more of both adding nutrients that are already over-abundant. Your phosphorous and potassium are very high, so they do not recommend adding any more. The soil test always recommends a small amount of nitrogen. It is difficult to measure how much is available for the plants as nitrogen is very volatile, so the .15/100 is a common recommendation. Too much nitrogen causes lots of problems (too fast, weak growth, vegetative growth instead of flowers/vegetables, etc.).

I am assuming your fertilizer is in a 4 pound bag. The numbers reflect the percentage of the nutrients contained. The rest is filler. So, your bag is 21% nitrogen. The soil test recommendation is for pure nitrogen. So 4 pounds x 21% means there is .84 pounds of nitrogen in the bag. At .15/100 sq ft, that means the bag would cover over 500 square feet. 

If your garden is about 10 sq feet, you need .015 pounds. That is not much, about an ounce of the stuff in the bag, probably a few tablespoons. You can store it for a while and fertilize again every month or so until mid August, or apply it very lightly to any lawn that you have. I also need only nitrogen and buy slow release lawn fertilizer without any weed killer. The slower nitrogen release is better when possible. 
I am sorry for the delay in response. The person who was helping you seems to be unavailable. I hope this helps. 
Terri  Replied May 28, 2024, 1:56 PM EDT

Terri,

Thank you.  Very helpful. 

Steve

On 5/28/2024 12:56 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
The Question Asker Replied May 29, 2024, 9:28 AM EDT

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