Well, as a lot of ya'll know, I do a lots of things "bass akwards :)" so after I have lost some of my fig trees I'm going to have a soil test did, soon as it gets a little cooler, probably next month!
Maybe they can tell me what the heck is wrong?

Cecil:
I think you are doing the right thing. I have used these folks in Texas:
http://www.txplant-soillab.com/history_of_lab.html

And I dug up this as well:
http://easttexasgardening.tamu.edu/tips/land/soilTest.html

In a few weeks, I will report on my possible success with *Fig Rust* as a result of soil testing and fertilizers.
Good Luck,
Stephen V.
NW AR

Cecil:I have my PH ,moisture ,light meter here and works super.
It was only $8,in Walmart.
The best buy I ever made in gardening gadgets.
Happy Gardening

Hi Herman,

I have the same meter as you but I'm not sure about how to use the PH mode, If I'm using it right it shows pegged all the way to the left! about 7.5 or so!Most times it stays pegged out to the left.


Thanks

Cecil,
if and when you go ahead and do the soil test if you do not mind posting the results here im curious what they find.
Like Herman mentioned about the meter did you ever do a PH test right where 1 of your fig trees are that might not be doing so well?

Martin,

I will post the results of the soil test.

Input will be most welcome on how to treat the soil.

Yes I have put the probe for the PH close to the plants, I have told Herman in my reply to him what the reading was........IF I'm doing it right.

Edit thanks very much Steven

Thanks

Cecil,
if 7.5 they don't need any lime , they say lime is good to raise ph from acidic readings say below 6.0.
Now if you already added it i think the plants will not up take more than they can use  i thought i read in one of Tapla's post so it should do no harm.

I haven't added any lime in about 3 yrs.

I will see what they say for me to do in the soil test

Thanks

OK So 7.5,it is.Is a little on The Alkaline side.
Mine here Show between,6.5,and 6.75,anywhere I try taking a reading.
Allwayes less than 7 here and I see they grow nice.
Of course we do not have the climate so hot like in Texas,especially this year I herd,it was uncomonly hot there,and a big drought.
The fig resist,but do not Enjoy Temperature over 95 F.
Especially young plants,are sensitive to high heat.
Best Regards

Thanks Herman,

I will not plant anything this year or next year, maybe I can get a better PH level by spring of 011.

Cecil, here is link to basic yard soil ph adjusting its not too long and easy reading .
How to Adjust the Soil PH Level | eHow.com

it deals with adjusting ph level in yard.
Something to ponder i suppose.

Also grow a few in large containers as a back up in case of more hot years to come ,and not worry about them darn rkn, gophers,can move out of hot sun and rain (not to spoil) when ya want and keep near porch so when a coon shows up you can blast em and i can give ya a recipe for that critter as well as squirells.Mike West's Squirrel Stuff

Yes Martin,

I had read up on that very subject at that site!

And Gosh thanks for the coon recipe! What would I do without that one?

Well I went and bought another PH/moister/light meter this morning mostly to compare readings from both, they read the same in PH mode
but not the moister, so now I have two, that is kinda like having two clocks/watches, ya never really know what time it is!

i've also got a high ph soil. unfortunately, it's easier to adjust up than down. lime lasts a very long time, whereas sulfer doesn't. to make matters worse, i have a well, and the water is alkaline as well,, so irrigation works against you by raising ph. one of the things you can do is use ammonium sulfate when you give nitrogen. acidic topdressings like coffee grounds can help. you can feed micronutrients with a spray. the bottom line is you've got a constant battle on your hands.

of course, it doesn't mean your figs won't grow. they just may not be as vigorous, or you've got to be a bit more attentive.

never apply lime without a soil test.

the ehow site has it all wrong. they've got it backwards :).

Use the results of your soil sample to determine how best to adjust the pH level. If the soil is too basic (loamy), then you'll want to add lime. If the soil is too acidic then you'll want to add sulfur.


doh! you use lime to raise ph, and sulfer to lower it.

papayamon,

Hahaha, I knew what ya meant anyhow!