[CH] Epsom Salts

Byron Bromley (Byron.Bromley@gsd-co.com)
Thu, 11 May 2000 20:21:20 -0400

Epsom is actually Magnesium sulfate.

Plants need a little more magnisium than phosphorus RE Readers Digest
"Organic Gardining" by Geoff Hamilton. pg 67 in my copy

My problem with the amounts listed is that too much Mag can make the soil
acid. If you make the soil too acidic then the plants can not absorb the Mag
and you have defeated the purpose of the addition.

The amounts listed might work in sandy or alkaline soils, But I would be
careful in loamy or clay type soils.

You can add calcium and magnesium at the same time via Domolytic lime with
out adjusting soil pH.

nitrogen for a very short term fix,  All the other nutrients for plant needs
are mineral or metal and do not  get absorbed by the leaves. About as
effective as eating a steak (smothered with chiles and onions)by holding it
in your hand. Leaves are not made to absorb food, only the roots are.
Something to think about

Here are the plant nutrients needed for great growth

Nitrogen 1.5%
Phosphorous 0.15 %
Potassium 1.5%
Calcium 0.5%
Magnesium 0.2%
Sulphur 0.1%
Iron 0.01%
Manganese 0.005%
Boron 0.002%
Copper  0.0006%
Zinc 0.002%
Molydbenum 0.00002%
Chlorine (.0000002%)

Foliar feeding
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/cropsystems/DC5886.html#foliar

http://www.spraytec.com/articles/AugSept99/FoliarFeed.asp

http://www.bsi.vt.edu/welbaum/prototype/lessons/lesson4/part2.html


FWIW
Byron