Thanks, Anthony,
I think I will try the Calcium Bentonite (sold at pottery suppliers) on
a test area.
I wish my Organic matter were more than 4%. I would have a lot more
life in the soil.
After 10 years of adding organic matter including about 12 yards of
quite good compost on 2000 sq ft to start with, the OM has barely moved
from 1.5% to about 2.5%.
We're not in a very hot climate, either.
I'm in the US (apologies for my government).
With all that testing you've done on Humates, who makes or sells the
best, most cost effective Humate in the US?
Thanks,
Erica
On 12/20/2011 2:51 PM, Anthony Quinlan wrote:
> Erica,
> you will get a much better result from using a clay product to improve
> your CEC in a sandy soil.
> try and find a Calcium Bentonite ( or montromillonite) and incorporate
> into the top 100-200mm.
> You can also use kitty litter - but they are often lesser quality
> Na-bentonites
> Use about 3-5kg/m2. must mix well or you will create crusty bits.
> This will lift CEC and probably bind with the humate material you are
> using.
> Also the raw leonardite material is quite slow acting and may take a
> couple of years to have much effect.
> you will get a faster response by using a potassium humate (soluble
> HA) as they have been activated and will bind to soil particle instantly.
> the raw leonardite are commonly used in Ag and have had best results
> when blended with other fertilisers or lime materials.
> on their own it is unlikely to see results in the filed after a single
> application as they need to be digested first.
> Also unlikely to see big response if you organic carbon levels >4%
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> *From:* EAReinheimer <mailto:erica_r_at_charter.net>
> *To:* compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com> ; boofq_at_wn.com.au
> <mailto:boofq_at_wn.com.au>
> *Sent:* Tuesday, December 20, 2011 7:09 PM
> *Subject:* Re: [compost_tea] Re: Fulvic Acid
>
> Hello Anthony,
>
> You seem to know alot about humic and fulvic substances.
>
> I have a low CEC loamy sand in my garden. Calculated values vary
> between a TCEC of 9 and a CEC of 4.
>
> I have been adding Activate 80, a coarse grade leonardite (1/4"
> minus) from New Mexico (via Peaceful Valley Farm Supply) at the
> rate of 10 lbs per 1000 sq ft for the last year.
> Just made my 2nd application. The advice from the mining company
> is to apply in the fall - it takes awhile to become active.
> In a month or so I'll take another soil test and see if the TCEC
> has improved. A soil test at 6 months showed no increase in CEC.
>
> Do you think this product is likely to increase CEC?
> Any other benefits?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Erica
>
>
> On 12/19/2011 5:20 PM, Tim Wilson wrote:
>>
>> Hi Anthony;
>>
>> Yes, I agree. The extraction method employed is one reason for
>> skewed results in many organic substances, including soil tests.
>>
>> I did note that a few scientists would argue with the definition
>> given for humus in the article.
>>
>> It does, however clarify the labelling issue which was the reason
>> for the post. (thank you)
>>
>> Tim
>>
>> --- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com
>> <mailto:compost_tea%40yahoogroups.com>, "Anthony Quinlan"
>> <boofq_at_...> wrote:
>> >
>> > buyer beware on these products!
>> > this article touches on a key issue with these - degree of
>> activity of HA or FA.
>> > I am privy to one of very few laboratories in the world that
>> can provide an accurate readings.
>> >
>> > I have screened virtually every product on the world market
>> with astonishing results.
>> >
>> > many products are claiming levels of activities that are just
>> not present.
>> > Just because it is black or brown doesn't mean it contains what
>> is written on the label.
>> > Many are estimating levels from inappropriate tests that
>> measure non-humic material.
>> >
>> > Fulvic acids are the worst for this also.
>> > The method of extraction also governs product quality. Too
>> harsh an extractant will denature the molecules - destroying much
>> of the potential benefits from these substances.
>> >
>> > Merry Christmas
>> > ----- Original Message -----
>> > From: -----
>> > To: compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com
>> <mailto:compost_tea%40yahoogroups.com>
>> > Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2011 3:56 AM
>> > Subject: Re: [compost_tea] Fulvic Acid
>> >
>> >
>> > Here's a well written article on the reasoning behind label
>> issues on Humics and Fulvics
>> >
>> >
>> > Cheers
>> >
>> >
>> > http://www.bioag.com/images/MY_can_NovDec09_40-44.pdf
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > --- On Mon, 12/19/11, gail raby <amberflame_at_...> wrote:
>> >
>> >
>> > From: gail raby <amberflame_at_...>
>> > Subject: [compost_tea] Fulvic Acid
>> > To: compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com
>> <mailto:compost_tea%40yahoogroups.com>
>> > Date: Monday, December 19, 2011, 11:42 AM
>> >
>> >
>> > How do you brew teas in Oregon or California where a product
>> cannot legally be labeled Fulvic Acid? ...Hugh
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Hugh is that right?
>> >
>> >
>> > What is the rationale for such a law? So what name is this
>> substance allowed
>> > to be called and sold by, if any?
>> >
>> >
>> > Thanks for any info..
>> > g
>> >
>>
>>
>
Received on Wed Dec 21 2011 - 18:48:06 EST