Martin Brown wrote in
:

On 13/02/2012 19:32, JakeD wrote:
Hi all, I just did a soil test on my newly created veggie beds.

Here is the result:
Alkalinity: pH 8.0
Nitrogen: sufficient to slightly surplus
Potash: deficient

...and then there was the Phosphorous test which is the puzzling one!
The liquid was supposed to turn blue, to a greater or lesser degree,
but it didn't! It turned a very pale amber (the colour of the average
lager or cider). What does this indicate? Extreme phosphorous
deficiency??

Dunno, but I would hazard a guess that the indicator they used
preferred adsorbing onto the clay particles to staying in solution.

Following the instructions, I addeda measured amount fo the soil to water,
shook it for a measured time and then let the water settle for a measured
period, before adding the solution to the vials. I don't think there was
much solid matter in the water - unless it was microscopic particles. The
solution looked almost clear, if somewhat murky.

In a clay soil I probably wouldn't worry too much about supposed
nutrient deficiencies in a test kit. The test only measures easily
soluble components, but a lot of the goodness of the soil is locked up
in very fine clay particles which plants roots can gradually access.

Yes, I wondered about that. As I said to Jake a moment ago, weeds
absolutely love the soil. So did the broccili and tomatoes I planted last
year.

Cheapest way to add some potash is the ashes from a bonfire or wood
burning stove. No coal or CCA treated timber though! A bit of unburnt
charcoal does not harm either - onions seem to love it on clay soils.

Thanks. I will add some. I gather potash is good for beans, because it
promotes flowering.

JakeD