Questions and Answers about Basic H, Gardening, and Farm Crops
A list of Questions and Answers from "Basic-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner California Information Guide", circa April 1983 (apparently by Shaklee) when Basic H was marketed as a Soil Conditioner. It is no longer advertised in that way, although the same formula is available today in 5-gallon and 30-gallon containers. Note that the newer Basic H2 is a different formulation. Any formula's below refer to the origional or "classic" Basic H.
The formulas have been extracted and edited for greater understanding and ease of reading only. Posting these on the web is to recover this knowledge for general use and application.
Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only. It is not authorized or approved by the Shaklee Corporation.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
How ls BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner different from BASIC-H?
There is absolutely no difference. They are exactly the same proven BASIC-H formula. BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner takes BASIC-H, known for its unique fast wetting action, into the fields, and puts its concentrated power to work on the land. (Soil Conditioner Information Guide - SCIG)
Why are there two different labels for BASIC-H and BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner?
SHAKLEE uses two labels because, for states in which the product is registered, the BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner label must indicate the five principal claims that are made, as well as instructions for using it.(SCIG)
What is the required EPA number for BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner?
BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner is a biodegradable product; therefore, it doesn't require registration with the Environmental Protection Agency, as do other farm products made up of chemical or other inorganic material.
Will BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner work on my soil just as it did on similar soil in the research studies?
The effects of BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner may vary because of the many factors which affect water penetration - the soil type, the water type (pH and inorganic salt content),the climate, the agricultural history of the soil (crop and tillage history, plow pan and hard pan formation), the amounts and types of previous pesticides and fertilizers used, and the extent of water repellency. The research indicates that you can expect positive results. You may want to try using BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner on a small scale. It you like the results, increase your use. (SCIG)
Will BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner harm my land or my crops In any way?
BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner is biodegradable. When used at the recommended application rates with appropriate dilutions, BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner will not adversely affect seed germination, seedling root development, soil pH, the nutrient status of the soil, or nutrient uptake from the soil. This means that BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner is phytotoxic. It may be applied to the soil at any time prior to planting and seed germination. After crops have emerged, be careful to apply only to the soil and not to plants. (SCIG)
Will the heavy concentration of BASIC-H damage crops?
It is possible that if large quantities of any surfactant is applied to a crop, it damages the crop. Also, if you plan on using chemicals with any type of surfactant, it is suggested that you cut your normal chemical usage in half. If this practice is not used, it is possible that the chemicals wi 11 penetrate the seed or plant, causing a possible killing of the crop. This is why you can reduce the cost of chemicals when using any surfactant. (Conservation Update Publication, Inc. - C.U.P.)
Is there a residual effect on the soil after using BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner?
Since BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner is a biodegradable product with an organic base, it decomposes into the soil in seven days with no residue left on plants or in soil.
How do I get BASIC-H into my irrigation system?
BASIC-H may be injected into irrigation systems by eductors, aspirators or by use of any positive displacement pump. Mixing will occur in-line and should pose no problems. (SCIG)
How many days before planting do you apply BASIC-H and water?
In the past we recommended applying BASIC-H five days prior to tilling. Now, through further testing, we have found it is no longer necessary to apply BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner before tilling the soil. It can be applied before planting and is just as effective. It can also be incorporated while tilling. (C.U.P.)
We use an irrigation system on our citrus trees and we would like to know it BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner will retard algae growth in the irrigation system?
If you follow our formula for citrus trees, the BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner will keep your irrigation system clean. If you have an algae buildup in your system, the first few ti mes you use the BASIC-H formula, it will clean out the system. You may even have portions of the sprinklers clog up. The reason is that the algae buildup that is being cleaned out may be too large to pass out of the system. Once the BASIC-H is used, your system will stay clean. Use 1 gallon of BASIC-H for 90,000 gallons of water. (C.U.P.)
In many of your BASIC-H formulas it states BASIC-H being applied before or after planting. Could you please indicate how long before or after planting is the BASIC-H applied to the crop?
If a formula states before planting, it is applied to prepare the soil for your crop. This application is applied an any time before planting. If the BASIC-H formula states after planting, apply the formula after planting, but before the crop is up.
If you do apply our recommended rate of 2 1/2 quarts of BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner with 20 gallons of water per acre as a spring application, it is not necessary to apply the first BASIC-H application on an indicated crop. This will save you time. (C.U.P.)
How often do I need to reapply BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner?
How long BASIC-H remains effective depends largely on the same factors that determine its initial effectiveness: the type of soil, the climate, the agricultural history of the soil I (crop and tillage history, plow pan and hard pan formation), the amounts and types of previous pesticide and fertilizer used, and on the extent of water repellency. A second application after two months is suggested. Adjust this guideline as appropriate for your soil. (SCIG)
Is BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner, useful in both dry and wet conditions?
Yes. With its capability of bringing the soil into better balance, it allows for more rapid penetration of the soil during wet conditions, preventing runoff and occurrence of wet spots in the fields. BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner also allows the soil to retain moisture longer in dry conditions.
I have read of several different examples of using BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner applying it at night or during cloudy conditions and not applying it during the heat of the day. How important is this particular factor?
The reason for applying BASIC-H during the evening is to give the BASIC-H a chance to start working on the soil and foliage. If it is applied during the day, you may find this practice may mildly harm the crops. If you apply water in a hot sun, it may evaporate before it penetrates the soil and before it has a chance to benefit the crop. It may also cause water bums on the foliage. It is not necessary to wait for a cloudy day, evenings are more important.(C.U.P.)
When is the best time to apply BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner?
To get the best results, BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner should be applied before a rainfall, late in the day or on a cloudy day.
Since BASIC-H makes water wetter, will it leach the nutrients from the soil at a faster rate than without BASIC-H?
BASIC-H breaks down the water droplets, making them smaller so that they penetrate the surface of the soil quicker. This is one of the reasons why water does not sit on the surface for a long time where BASIC-H has been applied.
This means that more water enters the soil before it evaporates from the exposure of the sun. Because of this, if BASIC-H is used on a given crop, it aids in retaining moisture in the soil for the crop. A majority of nutrients leaching out of the soil is caused by water erosion. By using BASIC-H, water erosion is slowed down and less minerals are leached off. (C.U.P.)
Can BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner eliminate the nitrogen pass?
Many farmers who use BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner utilize little or no other fertilizers or nitrogen. When nitrogen is used in high concentration, according to recent studies, it can create an imbalance in the soil. Nitrate poisoning is also possible, especially when applied in a liquid form. This poisoning can then kill parts of the soil, thus causing an acute weed problem . . . and more serious burnout.
It the soil is deficient in certain minerals, how can just using BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner increase yields without supplementing with fertilizer?
If the soil is deficient in certain minerals, replace them th rough the uses of naturally mined mineral or organic plant and waste material (animal manures, crop residue, wood ashes, sawdust, etc.) Also, using good crop rotation practices is another way of supplying lost nutrients in the soil. Some of these crop rotations are as follows:
- Two or three years of alfalfa or any legume followed by one year of corn and then one year of small grains (oats, barley, etc.)
- Two years of alfalfa followed by one year of corn, one year of soybeans and one year of oats.
- One year of corn, followed by oats, wheat, red clover or alfalfa.
BASIC-H is not a fertilizer. It works with the nutrients that you have in your soil. If you are lacking minerals or nutrients for your crop, you must replace them. (C.U.P.)
Can I use BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner with liquid fertilizers?
Yes, but don't attempt to mix it with anhydrous ammonia. Use of BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner with liquid fertilizer should not be a problem, but you may want to try a small test batch to make sure the combination doesn't gel or form crystals. Mix BASIC-H and your liquid fertilizer in a 5 gallon pail in the proportions you intend to use in the field. Let the mixture stand for 12 to 24 hours to determine whether gelling or crystallization takes place. (S.C.I.G.)
With grazing came in the fields, can a mixture of BASIC-H and liquid nitrogen be sprayed on fescue grazing fields without harming cable?
As it is for all grasses, nitrogen is not a needed nutrient. Grass puts nitrogen into the soil so no added nitrogen is necessary. But it will stimulate faster growth. Only one half the amount of liquid nitrogen is necessary when using BASIC-H. (C.U.P.)
How would a farmer incorporate his normal farming practices with BASIC-H applications when he usually plants, fertilizes and poisons at one time, in the same tank?
You may incorporate BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner with chemicals and fertilizers, but this should be done with caution, since a chemical reaction may occur. We recommend that you mix BASIC-H and the chemicals you wish to apply, together in a small bottle to see if they jell.
REMEMBER: When using commercial fertilizers along with BASIC-H, cut the amount of the fertilizer in half. When using herbicides or pesticides, cut the normal amount of the chemical in half. Use one quart of BASIC-H per acre. (C.U.P.)
Will my chemical costs be reduced by using BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner?
BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner increases the potency of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers by soaking into the ground and plant roots much quicker. It also has a thorough penetrating action into leaf surface and roots. When using BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner, studies have shown a cost reduction of one-half to three-fourths of oil treatment use.
What make most commercial fertilizers on the market today unsatisfactory?
There are approximately 16 basic elements involved in the necessary balancing of the soil. The nutrient requirements of the plant or soil are not satisfied by simply adding the normal allotment of 3 elements, as in NPK. The majority of commercial fertilizers on the market today are not only expensive, but are simply chemical by-products from petroleum.
How much do I cut down on fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides when using BASIC-H?
For fertilizer cut amount i n half. For pesticides and herbicides cut down two-thirds. (And if you totally believe in organic farming, you won't use any chemicals.)(C.U.P.)
Can chemicals be used with BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner?
BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner actually assists in the dispersion and suspension of pesticides and other chemicals for agricultural use. It mixes easily with most other products. When using herbicides or pesticides with BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner, do not use at full strength, since it makes water wetter and induces chemicals to work faster. To prevent burnout, reduce your chemical use to one-third the normal use.
Has BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner affected the protein percentage of crops?
Recent field tests have revealed that Alfalfa and other crops have sharply increased in protein content with the use of BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner. . . some Alfalfa producing up to 2.6% higher protein.
Would BASIC-H work on sweet clover? At what stage (height) of the plant, and what time of year should the formula be applied and what would the formula be?
BASIC-H will work well on sweet clover. Sweet clover is a hay crop, thus I recommend our alfalfa formula, which is: 11/4 quarts of, BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner with 20 gallons of water per acre, applied once in early spring and once after each cutting. (C.U.P.)
I would like to know how much BASIC-H to spray on my summer fallow.
Our suggested summer fallow formula is 2 1/2 quarts of BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner with 5 gallons of water per acre. This will condition the soil and also get rid of weeds. This is a highly concentrated formula. If this is applied I suggest waiting about a month before planting. (C.U.P.)
How many applications of BASIC-H are to be applied in the farming of soybeans, com, etc? Should an application of BASIC-H and water be applied to the land after harvesting th is tall and then once again in the Spring before planting and another application when the crop is up? What is the best procedure?
The application of BASIC-H is 21/2 quarts with 10 gallons of water per acre put on either in the Fall (after harvesting) or i n Spring. It is up to the farmer when he wishes to apply it. Then follow the basic formula for the crop. (C.U.P.)
Is BASIC-H to be used only on the ground around plants? We have been told that if we use the spray on the foliage, it will kill the plants. If you fol low our BASIC-H formulas for any given crop, you will not burn the foliage. The only way BASIC-H will burn is if the BASIC-H is used in larger quantities than what our formulas state. This is one reason why it is important to follow our formulas. We recommend on corn that you only mist the plants so the BASIC-H will not go directly into the swirl. (C.U.P.)
Will BASIC-H have any effect on treated seed?
No, BASIC-H helps the seed germinate faster. (C.U.P.)
What formula, using BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner, will dry up puddles of water?
I have heard of individuals drying up small puddles by adding 1 cup of BASIC-H and mixing it up in the water. The next day the puddle is gone. If any of you want to try it on a pond, you may be asking for a miracle. If you have any results, let us know what formula you used. (C.U.P.)
Can BASIC-H be sprayed around fruit trees while they are in bloom?
We do not recommend it. The pressure of the sprayer will damage the blossom even though the BASIC-H will not harm it. ~C.U.P.)
Can BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner clog spraying equipment?
Due to its surfactant properties, BASIC-H Concentrated Soil Conditioner will have quite the opposite effect on spraying equipment. It actually helps to prevent spray tanks from corroding and prevents the clogging of spray nozzles.
More information about Basic H is available as linked below:
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