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Upa Creek, MO

I recently got my soil test back and the only amendments I am adding are Epsom salts for magnesium and some 0-0-50. As with most areas, spring comes with heavy rains, and I am wanting to know how water soluble they both are and how well they will percolate into the soil without tilling?
I am hand turning a foot down over the entire patch and was considering not tilling (tiller motor is done). Would it be okay to spread these over the turned soil and would they move down through the soil profile with the rains? Or would I need to incorporate this into the soil when I hand turn which would put the amendments a foot down as each clump is flipped?

Thanks for any suggestion or thoughts on this.

3/7/2016 12:38:20 PM

Germany

Excellent water solubility, both of them, better put them on top of the soil, they will be washed into deeper layers sooner than you would like.

3/7/2016 1:56:10 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Thank you, Jorg

3/7/2016 7:49:08 PM

Partlow,Va

I agree with pumpkin. I just spread both on my cover crop yesterday and am going to let them get rained on and in no hurry to till.
I have gradually been raising my Mg ppm each year for 3 years by adding between 120-160 lbs Epsom salts each year to my 4500 sq ft. patch. My loamy soil Mg ppm went from 78 to 167 over 3 years so about 30ppm per year gain for my soil if that helps.

3/7/2016 8:38:48 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Thanks Hank, if you don't mind, where do you buy Epsom Salts? I recall reading you can buy it at Wal Mart but it's called something different. Seems a bit high at online shops for gardening to add that much. I need about 50 pounds now.

3/7/2016 10:10:45 PM

Auburn California

Farm Bureau type stores sell it pretty cheap, just bought 50 pounds for under $20.00. Is there any problem with the salt effects on soil with Epsom Salt or Magnesium Sulfate. I would like to purchase 50 pounds of Magnesium oxide but can not locate it.

3/7/2016 10:25:22 PM

http://magnesiaspecialties.com/agricultural/
this might help or at least they can tell you where to buy

3/8/2016 12:08:28 PM

Auburn California

Thanx Spudder, Crane

3/8/2016 9:08:27 PM

Partlow,Va

This year I noticed that Lowes started carrying pennington brand Epsom Salts in 7 lb bags for $6.50 so I was cleaning out the local Lowes stores this off season. Last year I ordered some from my local farm store for $45/50kg bag. I have done every cvs or pharmacy or grocery store too for 4 lb'ers.

3/8/2016 9:14:29 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Thanks, Hank. Much appreciated.

3/8/2016 11:21:38 PM