[Hannibal]

all lime does, is raise your pH, take a soil sample first to see if you need lime, most plots grow best at a pH of 6 to 7, clovers especially demand pH in that range.....as Henry said...to be available to the plant fertilizers need the correct pH.....he is spot on with the green manure crop, cover crops add organic matter, animal manures are good additions as long as they are dry and not fresh....fresh poultry can burn your new plants....they contain alot of Nitrogen...but you have unknown levels of phosphorus and potassium....thats the draw back on manures.

 

[Hannibal]

another thing is ...find out what soil is actually mapped where the plots are, if the soil is sandy textured for example more nutrients will be needed because of leaching, clay soils attract and hold positively charged nutrients..(calcium,magnesium etc) but dont let the water move through very quickly and may even be so tight that the soil ponds.....not good good for plants..

 

[Hannibal]

prezactly Ratster.....:wave:

 

[Hannibal]

without question the SOIL is the most important natural resource any farmer, ploter has......find out what you have and learn it.......it will save alot of $$$ and potential failures if you dont........:wave::wave::wave:

 

[Hannibal]

20 you need to know what you have first....your soil may be just fine as it is.....i dont know......the antler dirt is pricy.......dont buy it untill you find out if you need it.......there are all kinds of cover crops......you can plant one to feed the deer and also benifit yoyr soil......win win........do you mind telling me which county the plots are in......if you u2u me your location i may be able to get all your soil info for you.