Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
How Close is “Close Enough”?
How important is it to apply the exact amounts we have calculated? Not all that
important. Soil is not a homogenous material. It can vary significantly within the
same garden bed, or even within a few inches. In addition, even the best soil tests
are not 100% accurate. If the amounts applied are within 10 or 15% of the amounts
calculated, all will be well. The soil Rx on the previous pages calls for 1733# of
Calphos and 421# of sulfate of potash. One could apply 1700# or 1800# of
Calphos, or 400# or 450# of sulfate of potash without any problems. In practice, we
usually round off the amounts recommended to an “even” number, for example:
The 56# of Copper sulfate would be rounded off to 55# or 50#, when working with
acres or hectares.
When working with 100 m
2
: 56 kg / 100 = 0.56 kg, which could be rounded to 0.55
kg or 0.50 kg.
When working with 1000 ft
2
, 56 lbs / 43.56 = 1.286 lbs, which can be rounded to
1.30 lbs or 1.25 lbs.
Thisconcludes the main “howto” portion ofThe Ideal Soil:AHandbook for the New
Agriculture. If it all seems a bit much at this point, be assured that it will become
easier as you work with the system. It is not simple or simplistic, just as Nature is
not simple, nor is nutrition, but after you become familiar with the mineral
amendments that are available and work with a few soil tests you will learn to
juggle the various possibilities much more easily.
Also be assured that this system works and works very well.After you have
balanced the minerals in a soil one time, further additions will be minor. Expect
good results the first year,and increasingly better results for years afterward. Know
that if this system is followed you will not have to worry about nutrient deficiencies
in your crops or your food, and you will have the highest quality produce that can
be grown. When word gets out, expect the world to beat a path to your door.
If it is not economically feasible to balance the minerals on your whole garden,
pasture, or crop acreage, do part of it, what you can afford. The most important
ones to get right, Calcium and Magnesium, are also the least expensive, so do
them first.
Congratulations on becoming a pioneer of the NewAgriculture.
