FALaholic
Well-Known Member
Looking to lower Ph (acidic), and was told that aluminum sulfate gives instant results that lasts. I just wanted to know what sayz the hive in regards to using it.
I never used it, but I thought raising PH unlocked more nicotine.
I think FAL is referring to soil amendments. Could be wrong, though.
Aha! This is in the fertilizer forum ...
Sorry for the misunderstanding. Yes - that's where I'd seen that chemical before!
I that case it is a standard soil conditioner to bring the pH down. It is sold here in the UK as sulfur chips - it is very effective but try to get the dose right and remember that it takes a while for it to take effect - it works better dug in than on the surface too.
What's the ph now?
Think long term if you plan on staying where you are and growing every year. I'm going to work in some rotten sawdust and sand into this clay I'm growing in. Maybe some peat and manure. My ph was 7, which is fairly high, but the tobacco seemed to do okay once the rains quit. The problems I had with soil was poor drainage, compaction, and the clay hardened up like rock when it was dry. If I can loosen the soil and improve drainage, the roots will have an easier time of growing.
Watch for tree services working in your area. Stop and offer them a "free" place to dump their trailer of wood chips. Most are happy to give them to you so they don't have to travel to a dumping area.
My vegetable garden was high (7.2) until I started cutting manure in. Horse, Rabbit, and Goat.
Yeah, I read in one of those articles that manure would lower pH. There were several suggestions to drop it small amounts, but to bring it down a good bit for a long time, they mostly recommended that Elemental Sulphur.
My ph was 7, which is fairly high, but the tobacco seemed to do okay once the rains quit. The problems I had with soil was poor drainage, compaction, and the clay hardened up like rock when it was dry. If I can loosen the soil and improve drainage, the roots will have an easier time of growing.
I can say the same. Took the words of wisdom from a few here, and approached my first grow with the 'set it and forget it' attitude. My Virginias grew to 4' with leaves as large as my chest. Burley not as well.
I'm luckly to have good drainage, comparing to the stories where a typical shower plays havoc on growing. One thing I will say is that these bacca are well tolerant of drought. Haven't watered them, nor rain, in 2+ weeks. And this is in 83+ weather.
Yeah, I read in one of those articles that manure would lower pH. There were several suggestions to drop it small amounts, but to bring it down a good bit for a long time, they mostly recommended that Elemental Sulphur.