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Fertilizer Conversions
Fertilizer Group Pounds per Cup Pounds per 2-Liter Container Organic meals, blends and wood ash 1 cup = 1/3 lb 2 liters = 3 lbs Ground Rock Dusts (Limestone, Rock Phosphate, Greensand) 1 cup = 3/4 lb 2 liters = 6 lbs Coarse & Medium Granulated Synthetic Blends (e.g., 5-10-10 garden fertilizer) 1 cup =…
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Interpretation of Soil Test Results
Soil tests provide homeowners and growers with guidelines for both effective and environmentally-sound use of fertilizers, limestone and other soil amendments. Recommendations are based on University research and field studies. Our recommendations, however, are only as good as the sample you collect. Samples should be representative of the area being tested and should consist of…
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Liming and Fertilizing Forage Crops in Connecticut
The Need for Lime in Connecticut Nearly all naturally occurring Connecticut soils are very strongly to strongly acid (pH 4.5-5.5). Only a few of our soils are of limestone origin and not strongly acid. To produce crops efficiently, limestone must be applied to correct existing soil acidity. Subsequently, enough must be added to maintain a…
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Soil Lead Interpretation Sheet
Lead occurs naturally in soils but areas impacted by human activities often have significantly elevated levels of lead. The most common sources of lead pollution were lead‐based paints, leaded gasoline emissions and lead‐arsenate insecticides. While these products have been taken off the market decades ago, their toxic legacy still remains. In certain situations, lead contaminated…
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Soil Test Results For Agronomic Crops
Soil test values are reported as pounds per acre under Ca (calcium), Mg (magnesium), P (phosphorus), and K (potassium). These values correspond to below optimum, optimum and above optimum levels of these nutrients as indicated in the following table. Soil test levels in the optimum categories are best for plant growth and for the environment.…
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Suggested Fertilizer Practices for Blueberries
Blueberries are popular in home gardens because of their flavorful fruit and manageable size. For best results, plant blueberries in an acidic (pH 4.5 to 5.4), well drained, sandy loam fortified with organic matter. Blueberry plants have fine, fibrous roots that are primarily found in the top 8 to 12 inches of soil. These fibrous…
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Suggested Fertilizer Practices for Brambles, Currants and Gooseberries
Brambles include raspberries, blackberries and recently developed hybrids like tayberries. All have similar cultural and nutrient requirements. Berries are highly perishable and expensive so home plantings are an excellent way to assure a supply of this flavorful fruit. Brambles tolerate a wide range of soil types but require sites with good drainage. Phytophora root rot…
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Suggested Fertilizer Practices for Flowers
(Annuals, Perennials, Bulbs, Roses, Ornamental Grasses & Wild Flowers) Flowers enhance the garden with their color and fragrance. Many flowering plants can produce blossoms throughout the growing season if their cultural requirements are met. Among those requirements are essential nutrients for plant growth and development. Nutrients are added to garden soils primarily through fertilization. Either…
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Suggested Fertilizer Practices for Grapes
Grape varieties suitable for cultivation by home gardeners in Connecticut include American, European and French-American hybrids. American grapes that are hardy in Connecticut are mainly derived from the fox grape (Vitis labrusca). Concord, Catawba, Reliance and Niagara are popular American varieties. French-American hybrids are crosses between the Old World viniferas and Native American grape species.…
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Suggested Fertilizer Practices for Lawns
The enclosed soil test report provides limestone and fertilizer recommendations for your lawn. Also provided are the pH and available nutrients of the soil sample you sent to our laboratory. The limestone and fertilizer recommendations are based on the pH and available nutrients of your soil. Soil tests cannot identify lawn problems due to insects,…
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Suggested Fertilizer Practices for Strawberries
Strawberries are a choice fruit crop for many home gardeners. The low-growing plants are reliable and quick to produce. Strawberries should be planted in full sun for maximum yield. June-bearers provide a delicious supply of fruit from late spring through early summer, while day-neutral types produce berries throughout the summer. The strawberry is a shallow-rooted…
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Suggested Fertilizer Practices for Tree Fruits
Tree fruits are attractive as well as tasty additions to the home landscape. There are numerous varieties of apples, pears and stone fruits to choose from that are well suited to our climate conditions. Tree fruits are also available on dwarf and semi-dwarf rootstocks where planting space is limited. For best production, tree fruits require…
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Suggested Fertilizer Practices for Trees, Shrubs, Vines and Groundcovers
Woody plants growing in their native habitats get their nutrients from fallen litter, soil minerals and beneficial micro-organisms through their extensive root systems. The ornamentals grown in landscape beds or lawns are more likely to experience competition for nutrients from neighboring plants and often encounter less than favorable soil conditions especially in new developments. Also,…
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Suggested Fertilizer Practices For Vegetables and Herbs
The enclosed soil test report provides the pH and available nutrient levels present in your soil at the time of sample collection. Based on these results, limestone and fertilizer recommendations are made for the vegetable crops you listed. Soil tests are unable to identify problems associated with poor cultural practices, damage from insects, disease or…
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Warm Season Grasses
Warm season grasses are often an important component of wildlife habitat improvement programs. Areas of warm season grasses provide cover for nesting, brood-rearing, roosting and escape for a variety of song and game birds. Small mammals like rabbits also benefit from their cover. Because of their bunching growth patterns, warm season grasses tend to have…