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plant growth. Dolomitic limestone adds calcium and magnesium as it increases pH. Sulfur acidifies alkaline soil. The amount to add depends on the current and desired pH. This is a good reason to have your soil checked periodically.
Wood ashes are often used as a soil amendment. They contain potash (potassium), phosphate, boron and other elements. Wood ashes can be used to raise soil pH with twice as much ash applied as limestone for the same effect.
Ashes should not come into contact with germinating seedlings or plant roots as they may cause root buni. Spread a thin layer of ashes prior to winter, and incorporate it into the soil. Check pH yearly if you use wood ashes. Never use coal ashes or large amounts of wood ash (no more than 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet), as toxicity problems may occur.
Animal manures are commonly used directly as a garden soil amendment both to improve soil structure and increase nutrients. The value of manure in terms of the nutrients it contains varies.
Fresh horse, sheep, rabbit and poultry manures are quite high in nitrogen and may even “bum” plants if applied directly to a growing garden. They are best applied in the fall and tilled under.
Cover crops shouldn’t be underestimated as a source for inexpensive soil improvement. Green manures, or such cover crops as annual rye, ryegrass and oats, are planted in the garden in the fall for incorporation in the spring. For best results, seed should be sown at least a month before the first killing frost.
In a fall garden, plant cover crops between the rows and in any cleared areas. Cover cropping provides additional organic matter, holds nutrients that might have been lost over the winter and helps reduce erosion and loss of topsoil. Le
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