As a rule of thumb????

[Snadger]

If you have scab on your tatties can you assume you have an alkaline soil and shouldn't need to add lime for brassicas?

Can't be bothered to do a soil test and thought I would use simple logic!!!!!

[rustylady]

That's what I'm assuming Snadger. I have scab on mine and TwoSheds says East Anglian soil is usually limey

[Paulottie]

No I don't believe you can assume that Snadger.... the soil here is naturally slightly acid and sandy...lots of rhododendrons. I have had out breaks of scab on tatties in areas that have not been limed or received mushoom compost. Therefore although it may make the problem worse I think scab is a soil bourne disease most prevalent but not exclusively in alkaline soil.

[Snadger]

No I don't believe you can assume that Snadger.... the soil here is naturally slightly acid and sandy...lots of rhododendrons. I have had out breaks of scab on tatties in areas that have not been limed or received mushoom compost. Therefore although it may make the problem worse I think scab is a soil bourne disease most prevalent but not exclusively in alkaline soil.

Trust you to put the kyboshe on my plans!

I'll just have to get the tester out then............it'll be interesting seeing what the results are anyway.

[SarzWix]

I think scab can also come from watering issues? I may be wrong though
Where's tattieman...?

[Paulottie]

Sorry, Assumption is maybe the mother of scabby spuds too?

I used to have one of those soil probe things before one of the kids snapped it...So i'm also reduced to the full chemistry method now...less convenient but more accurate.

[Snadger]

Sorry, Assumption is maybe the mother of scabby spuds too?

I used to have one of those soil probe things before one of the kids snapped it...So i'm also reduced to the full chemistry method now...less convenient but more accurate.

Likewise.............I've got access to a professional £350 chemical analysis jobbie from work! *If I can remember how to use it*

[Two_Sheds]

Common scab is caused by a soil-borne bacterium-like organism, Streptomyces scabies. The disease is more prevalent on alkaline soils which have a light sandy texture and which are deficient in organic matter.
Infection is usually only superficial and the potatoes are still fit to eat Royal Horticultural Society - Gardening Advice: Potato Skin Problems