Rain/Snow

[Dom]

I am wondering if rain or snow is better for adding Nitrogen to the soil.I ask because we in my area are in lack of snow pack,I also think this will impact the soil for this comming garden season. how or what should one do to get the best use of the soil?

[SplitG2]

I believe the snow.

[Dom]

Now that most every one has some snow on the ground my question is when do you start fertilization and what do you use?I was told by a farmer that now is a good time to use lyme spread on snow and let it melt in is this guy pulling my leg?

[growalot]

I lime just before spring when there is snow and frost heaving occuring...to do it now...well you run the risk of quick melts washing your cash away if there is any slope to the land or at the least depositing it all in one spot.  We have snow up to my knees and much drifting from thighs to waist high at the moment....

[thphm]

As grow. said I been there also had everything wash away. Wait till after the snow melt and heavy rains. and wait for the last frost. I have lost many $$ in seed and fert. by rushing it.

The dairy farmers by me are spreading manure ( but they have to get out of the barns ) also.( the ones with big 4wheel drive tractors ) And others are just stock pileing it untill they can spread it.  So do not go by what they are doing.

[Carbonelement]

as far as adding N to your soil do it when you cultivate it in the spring.  Best time to put lime down in december, pref before the snow.  If you are planting a garden, i would recommend adding fish, i use the racks from filleted fish.  I have a garden that is 100 percent organic, and will not put any of this so called organic fertilizer in it.  Organic fertilizer companies do not have to disclose where they get N from.  Also Phosphates and Potassium is what is going to lead to better roots and more crop.  be careful to keep all nutrients balanced, when over doing one thing you will lock other others.  Most people think that just because they are giving the plant nitrogen it is going to flourish, while it stretch the plant you do not get the best yield in fruit or vegetables.  or anything your trying to grow for that matter from lawns to shrubs and trees.

 

Adding conventional N to soil has a quick absorption period and what is not used will leech, use a quality organic fert with a fish base, the meat bones and blood all add different elements into the soil.  If you do not care about organics use a time release formula and you will see better results.

[Dom]

This is all great information,I ask these Questions because as a young guy I would help my Dad and Grandpa at the farm but realy didnt follow their ideas.I took to construction/building and realy didnt pay much mind to the farming.I have just gotten word from my Dads lawyer and after filling my taxes that there is a tract of land that I own That I have to pay for the taxes.it is 150 ac and to follow my dad's and grandpa's rule their law I have to maintain as a farm.My Grandparent's house still has no running water and has only electric to a pole outside of the barn.Help

[growalot]

DOM...Your talking crops..no? You need to go get soil Samples and a comprehensive analysis....This will keep you from wasting money. Determine the tilth of your soil ..drainage etc... to determine what would be the best crop. When you do fertilize with nitrogen...it needs to be incorporated immediately to keep it dissipating into the air if left sitting on the ground.