Pelletized Sulphur as a Solution to Alkaline Water?

[kale]

When I lived in California, I used a soil acidifier extensively on my trees - both bonsai and landscape. Water out of the tap was 8.2 pH-8.5 pH.

Based on the recommendation of commercial citrus growers in the area, I used this product. It included 10.5% sulfur as a soil acidifier:

View attachment 498856
A homogeneous fertilizer enriched with 11% iron & 10.5% sulfur. This is a complete, balanced, homogeneous, pelletized fertilizer. This special formula will help counteract alkaline soil and will enable plants to overcome iron-induced chlorosis. Super Iron® promotes good health, slower growth, and great color.

Interestingly, here in NC we have the opposite problem. People here regularly add lime to raise soil pH.

I think my azaleas are in need of some treatment. Do you sprinkle this on the soil surface or mix into water?

 

[leatherback]

I recently learned that our water supply here in Denver is treated to bring the water to a target pH of 8.8, with a low of 8.5 and a high of 9.2. From what I understand, this is much too alkaline for most plants to tolerate for long periods of time

Do you actually see any signs that your trees are being affected?

(I work under the baseline: If it works, it works)

 

[August]

Do you actually see any signs that your trees are being affected?

(I work under the baseline: If it works, it works)

This is only my second summer; I'm still grasping at the ropes. I'm never quite sure if my trees are at full health. Possibly a sign that I should slow down and observe. Sometimes I have a fear that there is some invisible barrier that I'm going to run into...

Now, to actually answer your question. I have noticed a bit of chlorosis here and there. I suppose I am a bit affected by the "miracle method" mindset... "if only I did X, my trees might be healthier and more vigorous". Or maybe "I'm definitely doing X wrong, and thats why my trees seem weak at times". Both anxieties I have to get over at some point.

It seems like, the more I learn, the more questions I am left with. Ignorance is bliss?

 

[leatherback]

Ignorance is bliss

and experience tells you when you can ignore and when to take action.

Compare your trees with trees of people in a similar climate. Check their growth and color. (e.g., No sense comparing black pines grown in Texas with those grown in my backyard as the weather is vastly different )

 

[nuttiest]

Compare your trees with trees of people in a similar climate.

Well if every one in Denver has lye water...

 

[Colorado]

What I can’t figure out is the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) level in the Denver water. It doesn’t appear to be in the water quality report. I checked nearby Golden, which has TDS of 263, which I believe is quite high.

After listening to @yenling83 Black Pondo podcast, seems like RO system could be a good solution. I am thinking that I’m probably going to install an RO system and see how it goes.

I have been doing bonsai with Denver water for 4 years now. I don’t really have anything else to compare it to because I’ve never done bonsai anywhere else. I would say that my trees are generally fairly healthy. I’m getting good growth - extremely robust growth on some trees. However, I do feel like there could be room for improvement. Some of the trees have color that is a little off. Or inexplicable susceptibility to pests. Of course there are many potential causes for suboptimal health, but with the information we have about the water i can’t help but think that the water is not helping anything.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

I think my azaleas are in need of some treatment. Do you sprinkle this on the soil surface or mix into water?

Sprinkle it on the soil.

 

[leatherback]

Well if every one in Denver has lye water...

have been doing bonsai with Denver water for 4 years now. I don’t really have anything else to compare it to because I’ve never done bonsai anywhere else. I would say that my trees are generally fairly healthy. I’m getting good growth - extremely robust growth on some trees.

pretty much my point

 

[yenling83]

What I can’t figure out is the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) level in the Denver water. It doesn’t appear to be in the water quality report. I checked nearby Golden, which has TDS of 263, which I believe is quite high.

After listening to @yenling83 Black Pondo podcast, seems like RO system could be a good solution. I am thinking that I’m probably going to install an RO system and see how it goes.

I have been doing bonsai with Denver water for 4 years now. I don’t really have anything else to compare it to because I’ve never done bonsai anywhere else. I would say that my trees are generally fairly healthy. I’m getting good growth - extremely robust growth on some trees. However, I do feel like there could be room for improvement. Some of the trees have color that is a little off. Or inexplicable susceptibility to pests. Of course there are many potential causes for suboptimal health, but with the information we have about the water i can’t help but think that the water is not helping anything.

You can buy a TDS(Total Dissolved Solids)/PPM(Parts Per Million) digital meter/pen water tester on amazon for around $12-20. They are super easy to use, just turn it on and stick the probe into your water, it will spit out a reading for you. Anything over 150 PPM and you'll likely see results in using RO water. This is totally separate from the PH of your water. I also bring the PH down in my water from about 8.5 to 6.5 by using food grade Vinegar, Citric Acid or PH Down-I've used all three and none of them harmed my plants. It's also possible that adding a small amount of liquid fertilizer like Dyna Grow or Grow Big will bring your PH Down enough.

 

[Glaucus]

Wouldn't you measure EC in microSiemens instead? TDS is a fuzzy number. I assume 263 would be ppm.

 

[Colorado]

You can buy a TDS(Total Dissolved Solids)/PPM(Parts Per Million) digital meter/pen water tester on amazon for around $12-20. They are super easy to use, just turn it on and stick the probe into your water, it will spit out a reading for you. Anything over 150 PPM and you'll likely see results in using RO water. This is totally separate from the PH of your water. I also bring the PH down in my water from about 8.5 to 6.5 by using food grade Vinegar, Citric Acid or PH Down-I've used all three and none of them harmed my plants. It's also possible that adding a small amount of liquid fertilizer like Dyna Grow or Grow Big will bring your PH Down enough.

Thank you! I just ordered a ph meter and a TDS meter. Looks like ill be doing some science experiments this weekend!

 

[yenling83]

Thank you! I just ordered a ph meter and a TDS meter. Looks like ill be doing some science experiments this weekend!

Awesome Let us know the readings you get out of the tap.

 

[Colorado]

Awesome Let us know the readings you get out of the tap.

Yessir, I will report back!