The Importance of Soil Testing
Why should I do soil testing?
The fertility of the soil can change during the growing season due to crops using the nutrients from the soil and leaching. Availability and quantity of the nutrients in the soil can be altered by the application of fertilizers, manure, compost, and lime. These nutrients are then used by plants during growth and harvesting. Testing can determine the availability of nutrients in the soil. The test will provide info to maintain the best soil health. Plants can grow in a wide range of soil pH. The test will determine the current pH, show it range is correct for the crop selected, and what may need to be done to make the needed changes. Soil testing will help save money and eliminate the chance of over application of fertilizers, manure, and other nutrients.
When should I do a Soil Test?
Crop fields, such as corn, soybeans, hay, and pastures as examples. These samples should be done in the spring or fall. For areas that are not being used for the previously mentioned reasons, can be tested anytime the soil is workable.
How Often should I Soil Test?
It is recommended to test is once every three years. Tests give recommendations for three growing seasons.
What tools do I need to conduct soil sampling?
Soil probe, auger, spade, bucket, and sample bag.
How Do I take the soil samples?
Remove any residue, debris, or turf from the soil surface. It is recommended to take lawn and pasture samples down to a depth of 4” below the surface. Samples taken from crop fields should be taken to a depth of 8” deep. A sandwich bag full of soil is needed to complete a soil test.
Where do I take a soil sample?
Sample areas should not be more than 25 acres. The sample preferably is from one soil type and landform. Samples need to represent the area being tested. You can use a zig-zag pattern across the collection area and mix the soil together to represent the soil conditions in the area.
The Lawrence SWCD offers soil testing for landowners. Tests range from $12.00 to $20.00 per sample. If you have any questions about soil testing, please feel free to contact the Lawrence SWCD at 740-867-4737.
Why should I do soil testing?
The fertility of the soil can change during the growing season due to crops using the nutrients from the soil and leaching. Availability and quantity of the nutrients in the soil can be altered by the application of fertilizers, manure, compost, and lime. These nutrients are then used by plants during growth and harvesting. Testing can determine the availability of nutrients in the soil. The test will provide info to maintain the best soil health. Plants can grow in a wide range of soil pH. The test will determine the current pH, show it range is correct for the crop selected, and what may need to be done to make the needed changes. Soil testing will help save money and eliminate the chance of over application of fertilizers, manure, and other nutrients.
When should I do a Soil Test?
Crop fields, such as corn, soybeans, hay, and pastures as examples. These samples should be done in the spring or fall. For areas that are not being used for the previously mentioned reasons, can be tested anytime the soil is workable.
How Often should I Soil Test?
It is recommended to test is once every three years. Tests give recommendations for three growing seasons.
What tools do I need to conduct soil sampling?
Soil probe, auger, spade, bucket, and sample bag.
How Do I take the soil samples?
Remove any residue, debris, or turf from the soil surface. It is recommended to take lawn and pasture samples down to a depth of 4” below the surface. Samples taken from crop fields should be taken to a depth of 8” deep. A sandwich bag full of soil is needed to complete a soil test.
Where do I take a soil sample?
Sample areas should not be more than 25 acres. The sample preferably is from one soil type and landform. Samples need to represent the area being tested. You can use a zig-zag pattern across the collection area and mix the soil together to represent the soil conditions in the area.
The Lawrence SWCD offers soil testing for landowners. Tests range from $12.00 to $20.00 per sample. If you have any questions about soil testing, please feel free to contact the Lawrence SWCD at 740-867-4737.
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How to read soil sample results. Video Below.