Lawns, home gardens and cropland can all benefit from a soil test.
Soil samples are removed from the ground using a soil probe. The information the gardener or farmer can get from these tests can be invaluable in the production of food and fiber. It can also protect the environment by reducing the application of unneeded fertilizer.
Time Frame
It is important to do your soil test the same time every year.
Soil needs to be tested at least every other year but preferably every year. While soil testing can be done year round as long as the soil is not frozen it is recommended to test in the spring. Also, it is important to continue to test the same time every year for consistent test results.
Types of Tests
A soil test will guide the gardener in what type of fertilizer to use.
Typical soil tests that are preformed on the soil sample are soil pH, soluble salts, organic matter, and soil texture. Also, the soil will be tested for levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, copper, lime, iron and zinc. Additional tests may be conducted on the soil sample, depending on the situation. These include gypsum test and sodium adsorption ratio test.
Size of Sample
Mixing the soil samples provides the lab with a uniform picture of what the soil is like.
The gardener will need to collect one pint of soil. The soil from the samples are placed in a bucket, mixed together, and then a one pint is measured off for analysis. Lawns require four to five samples to be taken, while cropland requires 10 to 20 samples.
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