I tilled up a patch 2years ago about 25 feet from my old barn. I knew what the soil texture was (mostly sand with some silt and very little organic matter) but I was surprised to find that I had ‘medium’ lead levels.

Since then I keep looking for ways to make this plot into a productive veggie region. I had read that sunflowers will bioaccumulate lead so I planted 3 rows of them this spring and I have been removing them, roots and all this fall. I did not follow the soil test recommendation to ammend with lime, because I wanted the lead available for the sunflowers. I took 2 samples – one directly under the former sunflower and one adjacent to it. I’m waiting (and hoping) to see if there is any appreciable difference between the two.

I will post the results when I get them. Meanwhile, being not incredibly patient, I plan to lime those former sunflower rows this fall and then pile on compost in the spring for eggplant, peppers, basil and peas next year. I’m planning on planting sunflowers again – just shifting them into this year’s rows.

I strive to grow organically – are any of the rock phosphate formulations you listed OMRI certified?

PS. I used the UNH cooperative extension soil testing site. Cost was $17 per sample and includes lead.

The Ecology Center lists others: http://www.ecologycenter.org/directory/results.php?sFAQ=soil%20testing

good info.

I would have suggested to the clients, “Move.”