The Tomato Soil Preparation Quick Guide

SOIL PARTICLES

Content	Percent	Fraction	Ratio
Clay	20 %	1 / 5	1
Silt	40 %	2 / 5	2
Sand	40 %	2 / 5	2

The Soil Particle Test can be performed at home:

Add soil and water to a clean mayonnaise jar:
shake and let settle 3 days before reading.
Clay should be half as tall as silt and as sand.

Consult your state extension center as to the type and amount of additives needed to prevent BER.  Appropriate amounts differ per area of the country.

Generally:
With high clay soil - add humus or gypsum.
With high sand soil - add humus or peat moss.
With high silt soil - add humus.

SOIL pH
Additives to improve soil pH:
0                                 7                               14          
Acidic                   Neutral                    Alkali  
(Add lime)                                    (Add sulfur)

Ideal pH for tomato soil has a pH of 6.5.  

Readings below 6.0 require lime to neutralize soil. 
The usual amount is 1 lb of lime/30 square feet - 
or 2 cups per tomato plant.  

Readings above 7.5 require sulfur to neutralize soil.  
Add aluminum sulfate (15% sulfur) at the amount of 1 lb/100 square feet.  
The pH tests are conducted with home-kits: 
test and re-test soil until balanced soil verification is attained.

Return to Unit 2

Return to Home Page

Revised December 3, 2001
Copyright Anne Premont