Years ago, I wondered if it was possible to only put the one missing nutrient (or few nutrients) into the soil instead of adding a full spec fertilizer. Particularly an NPK fertilizer – if you have enough nitrogen and some phosphorous, can you just add potassium? Enter The Intelligent Gardener by Steve Solomon. This book was recommended to me back in 2016, but I only sought it out in the fall and spent the last few months diving in and educating myself. It is exactly what I wondered about all those years ago. You can just add the one, or two, missing nutrient(s).
Steve Solomon spent years understanding the mineral interactions, like the impacts that adding something like K2SO4 have on the soil sulfur content as well as the intended potassium, and perfecting his math. I am still learning, and will be referencing the book regularly, but I have played around with his prepared worksheets and feel comfortable making recommendations.
A soil chemical analysis can sometimes be overwhelming and hard to understand, and the recommendations that come with it aren’t always helpful. So, if you find yourself in such a pickle – reach out. I’d be happy to prescribe some chemical free nutrients for your soil. Learn more about our Soil Remineralization service.
Leave a Reply