Veg plot soil Ph

My veg have been getting of poorer quality over the last two or thee years, so I did a soil test, the Ph was almost off the scale at 4.5 and the nitrogen was well below normal, I dig over in early winter there is not a great depth before I get to clay(about 1 spit) I try to get a little up each year and add grit and organic material, I believe clay is acidic and wonder if this could be the cause. Also what would you recommend to bring up the level of Ph to 6-7 and improve Nitrogen levels.
Many thanks to all who comment Eric (old enough to worry about corona virus)

 

Hi and Welcome,

Sounds like you need to add some Lime !

You can buy 'garden lime' at many stores, just follow the packets instructions.

If you are growing Brassicas which need a high PH then you might have to double the application rate for them with the ph being so low at the moment, though would split it a month or so apart.

Your soil sounds similar to ours, so the best way to impove things , depending on the size of the plot, is to get some timber and make a raised bed adding in plenty of good compost and manure, though again not too much in one go as it can cause problems for some plants.

You do not have to use railway sleepers ! we used some cheap 6" x7/8" treated gravel boards screwd to 2" pegs, even that small height can make a great difference.

 

4.5 ph is pretty low, lime would work but it might take a while, best not to add too much at one time, would have been good to have got some on in the autumn and let the rain wash it in.

I have clay but it tends to be alkaline.

For nitrogen alone you could try sulphate of ammonia, but again, be careful of adding too much at one time.

 

Think after all the rains this winter your soil would do better by using a more general fertiliser like GrowMore which includes all three basic elements, adding just Nitrogen might give too much leafy growth.

 

Well the manure route would be best in the long run, as you suggested @ricky101 , but it again would make the soil acidic.

Are we assuming the other two main feeds, phosphate and potash are in good supply?