Test Results for Rammrocksupply "growers grand harvest mix"

[Nemato]

These are the test results for "growers grand harvest mix" from rammrocksupply. How do the results compare to the coots mix with oly mtn. compost? I'm late in getting started on my small back yard medical garden in California this year.

I can't decide if I should do another year with the Coots mix/oly mountain compost or try something more mineral balanced. The cootz mix has worked well for me in the past, but it is foggy in my area and PM has been a small issue. I would love to help my plants be more resilient to pests.

I have access to other compost sources: Cold Creek Compost, Mango Mulch (Grab-N-Grow), Diestel Turkey Compost. Perhaps a different compost source or smaller % of the total mix would help with balance.

The time is here for me to make a decision I suppose.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Nemato]

These are the test Results for Cold Creek Compost. Available throughout Northern California.

 

[Nemato]

This is me trying to learn how to do it properly

This is me trying to learn how to do it properly

So for reference my previous soil recipe was the modified cootz mix:

Old Soil
Base
1/3 Peat
1/3 Lava Rock
1/3 Oly Mtn. Fish Compost

Amendments (per cu.ft)
1/2 c. Kelp
1/2 c. Neem
1/2 c. Crab
1 c. each of: Gypsum, Cascade Minerals Rock Dust, Glacial Rock Dust, and Oyster Shell Flour

This mix tested similarly to others with the same mix showing predictably elevated levels of K, P, and Sulfur. Slightly low Boron, and initially low Ca base saturation. I would like to construct a more intentionally designed soil that is capable of getting closer to ideal mineral balance.

I am concerned about decreasing the compost percentage because this soil has worked in the past and I'm just nervous that the modified mix won't be capable of finishing without feeding later in the cycle. So without further babbling here is a first draft soil recipe. Your input is very much appreciated... Please. haha

New Soil
Base
20% Oly Mtn. Compost
45% Peat Moss
35% 5/16" Lava Rock

Ammendments per cu.ft.
1/4 c. Kelp
1/4 c. Neem
1/4 c. Crab Shell
2 c. Cascade Minerals Rock Dust (Basalt)
1/4 c. Gypsum*
1/2 c. Ag Lime*

My main doubts with the new mix are:
1*) The calcium and PH situation. Ag Lime vs. Oyster Lime vs. Gypsum. I hope to have an acceptable base saturation of Ca at soil mix time and I understand that the oyster lime can take some time to become available. I am afraid the gypsum will elevate sulphur levels too much(though I am told this isn't necessarily a dealbreaker.)

2*)I'm also concerned that the reduced compost and amendment inputs will result in the soil mix not being capable of finishing on water only and additional fertilization will be required later in the season.

Again, thank you for looking and helping out if you have any input. If not, I will use this space as a tool for working through my learning process. Have a great day!

 

[Nemato]

Test Results for Oly Mountain Fish Compost

Test Results for Oly Mountain Fish Compost

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Here are the Logan Labs results for the Oly Mountain Compost.

 

[Art_of_Soil]

So what did you come up with ? I have been running the home made same mix as the cootz as well.... and also a couple of other homemade variations... with a little more mineral mix here ..... some grokashi there and bio char added

 

[HillMizer]

My thoughts:

Reducing the compost may give you better P and Ca availabilty throughout the season, then topdress some K in after flowers have set. Those composts have a ton of K in them.

It's easier to work with amendment numbers in weight, for soil test interpretation as well as ordering purposes.

Coot's mix is effective, but IMO there are better, cheaper ways to get it done. I would use rockdust sparingly to avoid have the iron push out my Mn. Mn, Zn,Cu sulfates instead. Ag lime for PH stability and a bunch of gypsum for calcium availabilty. It's new to me but is working SO well. Carbonates take a long time to become available. Add diatomeceous for silica.
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