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I do not understand how to interpret this report. #868947

Asked May 17, 2024, 6:06 PM EDT

The report says the soil needs to be acidified and certain minerals are above optimum. But it has no suggestions as to how to correct this. Please advise

Oakland County Michigan

Expert Response

Philip - in looking at your soil test results, I see your soil is very healthy with Above Optimum nutrients, a high Cation Exchange Capacity (i.e. CEC which indicates the ability of your soil to hold the nutrients) and good organic matter.  

Since you indicate you wish to grow blackberries, you will want to address the pH of 7.3.  Per the info in the article below, raspberries grow best in a pH range between 5.5 and 7.0.  

https://archive.lib.msu.edu/DMC/extension_publications/e2030/e2030.pdf

I am including below a link to an article that provides more details about the various sulfur products you can apply to lower the  soil pH.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/files/Lowering_Soil_pH_with_Sulfur.pdf

Hope that helps and good job starting with a soil test to know the health of your soil.

Diane - MSU Advanced Extension Master Gardener Replied May 19, 2024, 7:24 PM EDT

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