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Use of Epsom Salts in already salty alkaline soil

16 years ago

I've read in books that Epsom salts are good to supplement lawns and gardens.

Does anyone know if these are okay to apply to already salty alkaline soils like in the desert southwest?

Seems to me that if the soil is already salty (like in my location), I'd be doing more harm by adding salt.

Thanks for any help!

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Comments (3)

bpgreen
16 years ago
I may be mistaken, but I think the salt in Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. It adds magnesium and sulfur and has a slight acidifying effect (but not as much as soil sulfur has).

If your soil already has enough Mg in it, the additional Mg could impact the salinity, but I think the salinity in our soils comes more from other sources.
ryanferre
16 years ago
bpgreen is correct. Epsom salts should not be confused with the salt we think of as "table salt". Epsom salts are great! I mix Epsom salt at a ration of 1/2 Tablespoon per gallon with all my fertilizers.

Ryan in Orem
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tweedbunny
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you both very much!

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