Do epsom salts hurt the soils microlife?

[Guest]

I'm waiting for a friend to get back to me but don't know if he will in time. I'm a little confused about it and have heard some conflicting info. Does the addition of epsom salts to a soil or soiless medium negatively impact the microbeasties?

Thanx...

 

[Guest]

OK...36 views and no one with feedback. I did some research and it seems epsom salts are approved for use for commercial organic food growers but that does not mean it won't cause some problems.

Any input would be appreciated...guess I'll go Google some more.

 

[ECUG]

I use organic blend epsoma, and haven't had any problems, not sure if it is the same thing?

 

[jaykush]

ive never noticed anything other than if you put too much you will lockout your soil.

 

[CoolBreeze87]

i use epsom salts and have never noticed ill effects from it although ive only been growing for a year, but it was recommended by experienced organic soil growers.

 

[Guest]

In general I know many people use them. I tried to find some online information, cites of actual studies, but could not. Seems like no one has problems except with overdosing causing imbalances.

 

[HeadyPete]

nope under normal conditions it shouldn't pose any problems.

It is a salt, however and too much salt will definitely affect and drive away your soil's microlife. That's what happens to lawns when people use the crap chem ferts. They are salts and those salts repel earthworms and all manner of microlife. This is why your grass clippings do not break down and cause "thatch". There is no biological action left in the soil and nothing to break down and compost that thatch. The grass depends on the chem ferts for nutrition.

I have been growing organically for years. As soon as I switched to organic lawn ferts, my earthworms came back, my grass got healthier and hardier, and my thatch breaks down fast and provides N to my lawn. My lawn is excellent these days. Overseeding is also required, BTW.

 

[Guest]

It is a salt, however and too much salt will definitely affect and drive away your soil's microlife.

That's kind of what I was thinking regarding it's use. Being a mineral I'd think it's a nice adjunct in smaller quantities.

 

[minds_I]

Hello all,

I use it at about 1/2 tsn to a gallon of my tea. I use teas every watering in flower.

I have not seen any effect that I can directly attribute to epsom salts.


minds_I

 

[Deft]

What do epsom salts correct for in soil? What are they good for?

 

[Guest]

magnesium i believe

 

[NOKUY]

yes its magnesium

I add small amounts to my water about every 3rd watering.

even though I've always been told that its far better to use it as a foiler feed.

 

[Suby]

I depends on whether or not your "hardcore organics", or a "close to organic is good enough" kind of guy.
I wouldn't hesitate to use it but I never need it as I use dolomite lime but some types are mag hogs and require that extra dose, just use sparingly because as mentioned above it is a salt and will build up, lock out, and toxicify in a large enough quantity with too little drainage.

Suby

 

[barnyard]

epsom salts is magnesium sulfate and increases enzyme activity in soil and vigorous growth.

Sulfur is also good for improving flavor.

its a fast acting organic fertilizer so go easy

Mg defiency shows as yellowing along the veins