Historical Comparison
Comparing 2012 (Steve Solomon) vs 2025 (Eurofins APAL) soil tests for Abdallah locations. A 13-year perspective on soil evolution.
Catastrophic Accumulation
Zinc increased by 310-380% and copper by 430-850% over 13 years. These are now at toxic levels requiring immediate remediation.
| Nutrient | 2012 | 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc | 124.0 | 254.0 | +104.8% |
| Copper | 3.2 | 8.7 | +171.2% |
| Sulfur | 22.0 | 22.0 | 0% |
| Calcium | 1457.0 | 4820.0 | +230.8% |
| Nutrient | 2012 | 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc | 117.0 | 220.0 | +88% |
| Copper | 2.0 | 9.5 | +373% |
| Sulfur | 18.0 | 18.3 | +1.7% |
| Calcium | 3110.0 | 4650.0 | +49.5% |
2012 Situation
Both locations had zinc deficiencies (117-124 mg/kg) and very low copper (2.0-3.2 mg/kg). Steve Solomon recommended copper sulfate and manganese sulfate.
The Mistake
Copper sulfate and zinc sulfate were likely applied repeatedly over multiple years without retesting. This ignored the "one-time application" warning.
2025 Result
Zinc: 220-254 mg/kg (5x target) • Copper: 8.7-9.5 mg/kg (toxic) • Sulfur: Still critically deficient.
Test Annually
When adding concentrated minerals, you are flying blind without yearly tests.
Respect Limits
Max 7 lb/acre copper and 14 lb/acre zinc per year. Never exceed this.
Metals Accumulate
Unlike nitrogen, heavy metals stay in the soil for decades. They do not wash away easily.
Complete Prescriptions
The gypsum for sulfur was apparently missed, leading to continued deficiency.
Abdallah Back (2012)
- Gypsum: 800g per 10m²
- Manganese sulfate: 175g per 10m²
- Copper sulfate: 30g per 10m²
Abdallah Front (2012)
- Lime: 1000g per 10m²
- Gypsum: 600g per 10m²
- Copper sulfate: 30g per 10m²
These recommendations were for one-time application with retesting the following year. They were NOT meant to be repeated annually without testing.