Soil Testing Now Is A Good Time

Soil testing is a key component and starting point for healthy lawn and garden soil.

The holiday season may be a busy time for many businesses. However, this time of year is probably a slow time for soil testing labs. Their peak season starts in spring when everyone wants to start fertilizing their lawn.

Now is a perfect time of year to get samplings of your soil, and make any soil adjustments or improvements to your lawn and garden. This will help your lawn, garden and landscape be ready for the warm weather in spring.

Soil testing helps monitor the nutrient balance in the soil. Most native soils are often acid. When the soil is tested they are many times low in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as well as calcium, magnesium, or sulfur.

Even though soils have been cultivated and amendments added to the soil, nutrient imbalances can occur, with potential toxic consequences for plants and their growth.

A soil test when done properly, and recommendations followed, should result in more effective use of fertilizers, lime and any other soil amendments. Producing a healthier and more productive lawn or garden.

Collecting For Soil Testing

Mark Keaton of the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service has written a good summary for homeowners on collecting soil samples for testing.

In collecting soil samples, make sure the sample represents the area to be managed. Take soil with a probe or shovel from at least 15-20 different places in each area to obtain a representative sample. A zig-zag sampling pattern is preferred.

Fertilizer and lime recommendations are no better than the sample taken. Sample gardens and lawns to a depth of zero to 4-6 inches. At each stop, place a small core or strip of soil in a clean container and mix soil thoroughly. Discard rocks and roots. From the soil taken pull a pint of dry soil and place in a clean plastic bag, this will be sent to the lab for testing.

The county extension office will help you interpret the results when the reports come back from the lab. One of the best things about the University of Arkansas Soil Testing Program is that there is no out-of-pocket cost for routine soil samples. Soil sample now and get ahead of the rush.

Check with your State Cooperative Extension Service for the steps needed for getting your soil tested. Your garden and lawn will look better for it.