[Ral1121]

Not sure if this is the right forum for this but I am using a half granular half liquid fert program. From what I understand, any kind of liquid fertilizer will leave from the soil after a little bit of time hence why I apply it foliarly and then several hrs later I will water the yard.

My question is I am looking into green county fert in using their RGS and humic12. These are suppose to be soil ammendments. Won't they also leach from the soil meaning the product can't do what is intended?

 

[Greendoc]

Unless your soil is 100% sand with absolutely zero OM from grass roots, things do not wash away that easily. If you are applying liquid or soluble Humic type products, those will actually bind to the first inch or two of soil they hit. If I am applying an application containing Humic, it gets watered in right away. I do not want black stains on someone's walkways or carpets. No loss in efficacy by doing so either. If anything, I have concerns about the Humic drying on the leaves and not completely rinsing off into the soil. Iron with nothing else in it or else PGR+Iron is applied and allowed to dry though.

 

[Ral1121]

@Greendoc thanks for the response.

Looks like I will be giving humic acid a go. I would really like to try out the RGS but don't want to buy all the other stuff with it. I wish they would sell it in smaller packages by itself. Not with 3 other products or 5gal at a time.

I have a siteone close by. Any good products from them or where else do you go and get it?. Looking for liquid.

 

[Greendoc]

For the longest time, I have used Kelp4Less. Shipping a box containing 4 gallons of liquid to Hawaii is a no go. I believe @wardconnor used something called Extreme Blend from them. Cost is reasonable and it is a soluble powder. I use powdered Humic and Fulvic. I do not have a problem with soluble powders. My experience with liquids in 1 gallon and 21/2 gallon bottles is unless something is used up within 30 days of opening, contact with air causes them to form insoluble solids at the bottom of the bottle that will not re suspend.

 

[Ral1121]

I will have to give kelp4less a go then

 

[wardconnor]

I will have to give kelp4less a go then

Wait for a coupon code. HAPPYPLANTS

They also do 2 for 1 often on Tuesdays. They send me emails frequently and you have to have an account and signed into it to get the deal.

 

[Ral1121]

@wardconnor thanks. I just created my account and signed up for the emails. I guess I will wait until I get the two for one coupon before I order. I do have a question though. How much do you mix per 1000. Do you follow the 1 tbs per gal rec or do you mix more?

 

[viva_oldtrafford]

What's the general consensus on humates / humic acid? The impact on plant growth has never been proven, but it hasn't stopped consumers from purchasing and re-purchasing the product over and over again with claims that it worked miracles. Just curious.

 

[Greendoc]

For me, humates are a tool for dealing with bad soil structure. They are not magical potions to replace fertilizers. I do not expect them to induce or enhance growth without the presence of NPK+Micronutrients .

 

[viva_oldtrafford]

For me, humates are a tool for dealing with bad soil structure. They are not magical potions to replace fertilizers. I do not expect them to induce or enhance growth without the presence of NPK+Micronutrients .

Where have you "seen" the biggest benefit? Clayey profiles with low perc/infiltration, or sandy soils with low CEC and high perc/infil.?

 

[Greendoc]

Heavy clay. Low perc. Sandy soil with low CEC is actually extremely easy for me to manage and grow nice grass on. The grass growing on the sand provides all of the OM and CEC I want. On clay, the typical CEC of 30+ means I have to work to remove elements in excess or adjust pH, or even apply enough of the deficient nutrients to benefit the grass. In the latter instance, humates can help increase penetration of applied materials with minimal labor and disruption of the surface. Homeowners will not tolerate constant aeration, topdressing or having to pay for those procedures. If I can open up the soil a little via alternate means, that is the way to go.

 

[wardconnor]

@wardconnor thanks. I just created my account and signed up for the emails. I guess I will wait until I get the two for one coupon before I order. I do have a question though. How much do you mix per 1000. Do you follow the 1 tbs per gal rec or do you mix more?

Put it down at one pound per acre.

Use this calculator to figure up how much per a given sq ft section.

 

[stotea]

For me, humates are a tool for dealing with bad soil structure. They are not magical potions to replace fertilizers. I do not expect them to induce or enhance growth without the presence of NPK+Micronutrients .

After what I would consider fairly extensive internet research on the topic of humic acid (as well as kelp/seaweed) and its effect on turf, that is my general conclusion as well. Relatively healthy soil and turf likely won't see much of a benefit, if at all, as compared to soil/turf in poor health. I've read that newly seeded turf tends to benefit more, too.

 

[Greendoc]

So true. That is why they are advertised as magic potions that take the place of fertilizer as well. Humates and all of the organics can get grass to grow almost acceptably under low nutrient levels. The turf in the studies is often golf turf. That is an entirely different world. Nutrient demand is very high when talking about grass that is reel cut up to twice a day and the clippings are caught at all times. Non NPK materials simply cannot even begin to supply what is being removed on an annual basis.

 

[Ral1121]

@wardconnor thanks. I just created my account and signed up for the emails. I guess I will wait until I get the two for one coupon before I order. I do have a question though. How much do you mix per 1000. Do you follow the 1 tbs per gal rec or do you mix more?

Put it down at one pound per acre.

Use this calculator to figure up how much per a given sq ft section.

Thanks for the spreadsheet. Also how often do you put it down at that rate? Weekly, biweekly or once a month?

I know I am asking a lot of questions. I am just greatful that people are willing to give me advice so I can continue to learn. It's what makes this forum so great. In return I hope I can at some point help others out.

 

[wardconnor]

Thanks for the spreadsheet. Also how often do you put it down at that rate? Weekly, biweekly or once a month?

I know I am asking a lot of questions. I am just greatful that people are willing to give me advice so I can continue to learn. It's what makes this forum so great. In return I hope I can at some point help others out.

No problem. I do not have an quick and dirty answer for how often. I plan to put it down about every 3 weeks or so, possibly more. Whenever my wife sees me spraying she tells the kids that I am spraying poison. She hates it when I spray anything even if I tell her it is a natural product.

I like a nice looking lawn so I spray things.

 

[Colonel K0rn]

Thanks for the spreadsheet. Also how often do you put it down at that rate? Weekly, biweekly or once a month?

I know I am asking a lot of questions. I am just greatful that people are willing to give me advice so I can continue to learn. It's what makes this forum so great. In return I hope I can at some point help others out.

No problem. I do not have an quick and dirty answer for how often. I plan to put it down about every 3 weeks or so, possibly more. Whenever my wife sees me spraying she tells the kids that I am spraying poison. She hates it when I spray anything even if I tell her it is a natural product.

I like a nice looking lawn so I spray things.

Next time she's in the bathroom, and using her hairspray, you should yell, "Kids, watch out. She's using her poison!"