1 Cup Epsom Salts Per Plant - REALLY??

fortyonenorth · September 19, 2011

Really interesting thread, Ray. My quick (very rough) calculations equates 2 cups of ES (10% Mg) per Earthtainer with about 700 lb. Mg per acre. As a point of reference, when I first build my raised beds - using a soil mix roughly equal to your mix - I had the mix tested before adding any amendments. The results suggested adding the equivalent of 100 lb. Mg per acre to achieve 15% base saturation, which is considered a balanced proportion for Mg.

My guess is that this much Mg will tie-up Calcium and contribute to BER and nutrient deficiencies. But, who knows, I'll look forward to hearing the results from your trial.

One other thought: 2 cups thoroughly mixed in a big Earthtainer is probably similar to a few tablespoons in the bottom of a single planting hole. So, maybe it's not as extreme as it seems.

September 19, 2011	#11
fortyonenorth Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NW Indiana Posts: 1,150	Really interesting thread, Ray. My quick (very rough) calculations equates 2 cups of ES (10% Mg) per Earthtainer with about 700 lb. Mg per acre. As a point of reference, when I first build my raised beds - using a soil mix roughly equal to your mix - I had the mix tested before adding any amendments. The results suggested adding the equivalent of 100 lb. Mg per acre to achieve 15% base saturation, which is considered a balanced proportion for Mg. My guess is that this much Mg will tie-up Calcium and contribute to BER and nutrient deficiencies. But, who knows, I'll look forward to hearing the results from your trial. One other thought: 2 cups thoroughly mixed in a big Earthtainer is probably similar to a few tablespoons in the bottom of a single planting hole. So, maybe it's not as extreme as it seems.