Young Professionals Network Meet Up – July 27
MLP is partnering with NALP to host a Young Professionals Network get together on Wednesday , July 27 . This informal , networking event will be held at the Start Line Brewing Co . ( startlinebrewing . com ) in Hopkinton , MA beginning at 5:00 p . m .
NALP ’ s Young Professionals Network provides a platform to connect , share experiences , and exchange ideas with peers nationwide . If you are under 40 years old , you are invited to join MLP and NALP on July 27 to connect with people who are on a similar career path and share your passion for the industry .
Every young landscape professional is welcome and there is no charge to attend . Light pub fare will be offered along with a cash bar . If you plan to join us , please go to MLP-MCLP . org and click the YPN button on the home page .
The Network , powered by STIHL , connects , and supports landscape , lawn care , irrigation , tree care , and horticulture professionals who are building careers in the landscape industry .
WHY SO MUCH EMPHASIS ON SOIL PH ? ( continued from p . 13 )
The natural tendency of our soils for lower pH is most easily managed by regular liming . Applications of calcitic ( calcium carbonate ) or dolomitic ( calcium magnesium carbonate ) limestone create a reaction that removes hydrogen ions from the soil solution , thereby raising pH over time . Liming materials also supply essential calcium , which can be less available even at favorable pH levels . The best guide for how much lime and how often ? Soil testing . Soil testing to inform liming needs is affordable and freely available from multiple labs , including the UMass Soil & Plant Tissue Testing Lab . For more information on adjusting soil pH from the UMass Lab , go to : https :// ag . umass . edu / soil-plant-nutrient-testing-laboratory / fact-sheets / adjusting-soil-ph
An important note for the landscape is that not all plants perform best at a pH level in the neutral range . So-called acid loving plants include blueberries , hollies , azaleas , rhododendrons , dogwoods and many conifers . Again , it comes down to nutrient availability – most of these plants perform best with higher levels of the micronutrients ( often iron ) most available at lower ( acidic ) pH levels . Acidifying fertilizers such as ammonium sulfate are commonly used to maintain a lower soil pH and enhance the quality of these unique species .
Reprinted from UMass Hort Notes 2022 Vol 33:3
MLP Newsline | Summer 2022 15