[JulietAlpha]

I’m disappointed with the lack of increase, and even decrease, of some metrics of my soil test this year. Used waypoint for the second time. 2022 was my first year using them and followed their recommendations for P and K applications. Was expecting a nice increase in numbers but barely got an increase is K and a big decrease in P.

Were my expectations off thinking all will be well after just a year of amendments? I’ve done MAP and SOP before, just way less than recommended last year. I actually applied just over 6lbs/m each of P and K. Pretty sure I was consistent with my samples as far as depth.

Any insight would be appreciated!

Some background so you know my experience:
This will be my third year being very involved with the lawn, still a lot to learn though. Prodiamine applications, Regular PGR/Fe/Fungicide applications throughout year, monthly Milorganite applications starting in May with varying rates depending on need, usually do fall nitrogen blitz using AMS sept, oct, nov, use MAP and SOP for soil amendments.

 

[Green]

It looks like the SOP, AMS, and/or any other Sulfur products that you applied raised the S level considerably. Organic matter and Nitrogen (if we can trust that) similarly increased, maybe due to Milo apps. Potassium did increase a bit as well. I wouldn't expect iron to increase if you're spraying.

I'm not sure why P might have decreased since you're applying a good amount. Or Ca, Mg, etc. for that matter. Did you sample exactly the same way both years?

 

[Buffalolawny]

I think you may have "poor-ish" drainage soils that has increased you "S".

May need a soil wetting agent that penetrates the soil. Not holds onto water.

If you are going to level the lawn you may mix in some gypsum into the top dress media.

 

[JulietAlpha]

I'm not sure why P might have decreased since you're applying a good amount. Or Ca, Mg, etc. for that matter. Did you sample exactly the same way both years?

I would like to think that I have sampled the same way as last year. I really tried to be consistent. I don’t have a plug tool, just use a spade.

 

[JulietAlpha]

I did just read up on some more of g-mans write up about this. He says don’t apply more than 2lb/m of either MAP or SOP per month. Per the recommendations I split the MAP, and put all the SOP down at once which greatly exceeded that number. This year I’ll try spreading it out over a few months.

I hate waiting so long to see results of what I apply the previous year!

 

[Green]

I would like to think that I have sampled the same way as last year. I really tried to be consistent. I don’t have a plug tool, just use a spade.

I've never done it that way. How many samples did you take roughly?

 

[JulietAlpha]

I've never done it that way. How many samples did you take roughly?

Probably 7 give or take. Just use a spade to make a “V” cut into the lawn and take the soil from 4-6 inches from the surface.

 

[Green]

Probably 7 give or take. Just use a spade to make a “V” cut into the lawn and take the soil from 4-6 inches from the surface.

Maybe you need more sampling locations next time. Nutrient levels might not be even everywhere.

 

[g-man]

I did just read up on some more of g-mans write up about this. He says don’t apply more than 2lb/m of either MAP or SOP per month. Per the recommendations I split the MAP, and put all the SOP down at once which greatly exceeded that number. This year I’ll try spreading it out over a few months.

I hate waiting so long to see results of what I apply the previous year!

You should look at the result in how the yard looks and not in soil test numbers. How is the lawn doing?

all the SOP down at once which greatly exceeded that number

This is not ideal.

and take the soil from 4-6 inches from the surface

Does this mean that you discard the soil from 0 to 4in deep?

 

[MacLawn]

I did just read up on some more of g-mans write up about this. He says don’t apply more than 2lb/m of either MAP or SOP per month. Per the recommendations I split the MAP, and put all the SOP down at once which greatly exceeded that number. This year I’ll try spreading it out over a few months.

I hate waiting so long to see results of what I apply the previous year!

Waiting is part of the lawn game.
Its been a few years working on my soil. PH was really low as was most nutrients.
Took 2 seasons to get PH up SOP also took 2 applications last fall and this spring. Sending out sample soon
Looking forward to see where my soil is at. Lawn looks 100% better over past few years