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Soil Additive for Alkalinity Control

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    HELP! Soil Additive for Alkalinity Control

    Boys and Girls,

    I've noticed my fox farm ocean forest soil (with perlite added) tends to trend upward in pH. I water at 6.3 but notice runoff pH will continuously creep upwards. The highest I've noticed runoff is about 6.7 which means the root ball is likely higher than this.

    PH is currently around 6.55 after a few waterings, but I'm not liking how much water I need to keep it under control, especially considering the plant is 3 weeks into flower. Runoff is always sufficient, probably more than necessary due to a recent flush, and nutrient levels are all optimal. No significant discoloration but I will have reduced yeilds due to the flush, which id like to prevent next time around.

    I realize dolomite lime is a good additive for an acidic medium, what are your suggestions for something similar to treat Alkalinity in soil? My goal is to add something prior to planting in hopes of better control from the get-go.

    Thanks!
    Last edited by Pokemokeley; 04-27-2020, 01:46 PM.

    #2
    I use pelleted sulfur mixed into the soil, it breaks down slowly with water creating sulfuric acid which controls the PH along with the Dolomite to keep things buffered.

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      #3
      Originally posted by Rwise View Post
      I use pelleted sulfur mixed into the soil, it breaks down slowly with water creating sulfuric acid which controls the PH along with the Dolomite to keep things buffered.
      Thanks Rwise. Two follow up questions: what quantity of pelleted sulfur do you use for your pots? Do the pellets include dolomite or do you add it in addition to the sulfur?

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        #4
        I buy the big bags of both, each has directions on them, I put in about a cup to 20 gallons of soil of sulfur and about 1/3 cup dolomite. My native soil is alkaline 8.4, so I use a bit more sulfur than dolomite.

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          #5
          Originally posted by Rwise View Post
          I buy the big bags of both, each has directions on them, I put in about a cup to 20 gallons of soil of sulfur and about 1/3 cup dolomite. My native soil is alkaline 8.4, so I use a bit more sulfur than dolomite.
          Sounds like this should work for me then, thanks!

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            #6
            Check out my thread on growing trees!
            It is spring in the northern hemi, time to get things growing. These pics from yesterday morning after transplanting the day before, sun was just up. Here we have a BB3, GG4, DGD and SSK, I have 2 more that go here, and 6 more for the GF. As I get the soil built, and the plants moved into it, I will get pics of them. I also

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