pasture ph levels

mjsnodgrass · Apr 7, 2014

I have a couple of pastures that seem to test at about 7.5 - 7.8 ph levels. I plowed last fall and am waiting on the weather to work the fields up to plant some hay. these fields have been dormant for 30 yrs or so. I know applying lime will raise the ph, but what can I do to lower the ph? being unemployed the last 7 years, I really need to find the most economical way to do this. I'm located in sw Washington, and the pasture has sandy loam soil. thanks for the help

Wheat Farmer · Apr 7, 2014

Is it low ground and have lots of standing water. I fixed some small patches at the end of a flood irrigation system of 6.9ph by digging some drainage ditches. I also planted some poplar trees, but a @#$%^ mowed them off.

David G · Apr 7, 2014

Sulfur

FBH44 · Apr 7, 2014

Get representative soil tests, from all across the field, then go to your local closest Univ. extension service or the County extension service. They can advise you based on the results, and on what sort of hay. They can also advise you on potash, p[otassium, minor trace elements, etc.

blunosr · Apr 7, 2014

Hi, for sand loam in a humid environment, I'd be questioning the pH analysis for accuracy. You might want to try a different lab.

I would think about 6 would be more common for the situation you describe. I think elemental sulphur is the recommended ammendment to lower the pH.

Bye for now,

Troy

MoMike · Apr 7, 2014

Gypsum is also used on high ph soils, don"t know how much or cost but your extension office or fertilizer dealer should be able to help.

71ford100 · Apr 7, 2014

Elemental sulfur is what we use in our area on soils with pH of 7.6-8.5. It will also help out if you have any sodium problems.

John Fulton · Apr 7, 2014

What is wrong with 7.0-7.8 pH? I would KILL to get those readings ! What grass do you want to plant that needs lower than neutral pH?

GordoSD · Apr 7, 2014

What others said If it's been idle for 30 years it's going to take several years to get it realy productive.
Start at the beginning! Get soil tests, sample from varios parts of the field. Mix them together and get an envelope from ASCS office and mail them in. Yo state on the form what crop and what yield you desire. I would guess you will need minimum $50 acre in NPK applications.

Wheat Farmer · Apr 7, 2014

Our normal Ph here in the Upper Arkansas Valley, Salida CO is around 4.5ph. Where it got up over 6.5 Arrowgrass came up, and that stuff is hard to kill.

pasture ph levels

mjsnodgrass

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Wheat Farmer

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David G

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FBH44

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blunosr

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MoMike

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Wheat Farmer

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