does above optimum Magnesium need to be addressed? - Ask Extension
My soil sample (from 3 raised beds housed in metal fire pit rims) came with a recommendation to address low potassium. I did not notice until now (M...
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does above optimum Magnesium need to be addressed? #894994
Asked March 20, 2025, 4:23 PM EDT
My soil sample (from 3 raised beds housed in metal fire pit rims) came with a recommendation to address low potassium. I did not notice until now (March 2025) that I had been advised to add 0-0-60 or 0-0-24 last fall. May I add it now with snow on the ground?
The test results also showed above optimum levels of Magnesium. I did not see any recommendation to counter that. Would that above optimum level of magnesium need to be addressed?
Antrim County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
You may add the potassium and work it into the soil when the ground has thawed, and when the soil is dry enough to walk on without being so soft you leave deep footprints, which would compact the soil.
You do not need to worry about high magnesium levels. Plants will take what they need and no more. Many soils in Michigan have above optimum magnesium levels.
You may add the potassium and work it into the soil when the ground has thawed, and when the soil is dry enough to walk on without being so soft you leave deep footprints, which would compact the soil.
You do not need to worry about high magnesium levels. Plants will take what they need and no more. Many soils in Michigan have above optimum magnesium levels.
Thank you for the guidance on applying the potassium fertilizer this spring when the soil will not be compacted. Should the other (e.g. 10-10-10) fertilizer that was recommended for spring application be added at the same time? Thank you,
Polly
Sent from my iPad
On Mar 20, 2025, at 6:03 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
Yes, you may apply your spring application with the potassium. But, because 10-10-10 is 10% potassium, you should reduce the “0-0-60 potassium” product by an equivalent amount.
If you provide you 6 character test result code from MSU I can look it up and help you calculate it. Or, you may use the calculator under the Tools tab in your test results at the soil test website.
If you provide you 6 character test result code from MSU I can look it up and help you calculate it. Or, you may use the calculator under the Tools tab in your test results at the soil test website.
