How to interpret your soil test results?
- a ppm = parts per million
- B Rating of probability of profitable crop response from added fertilizer based on the extracted nutrient level: VR = very high response, HR = high response, MR = medium response, ...
- OR may also be rated based on extracted nutrient level as VL = very low, L = low, M = medium, H = high, VH = very high, E = ...
How do I test my garden soil?
These are the basic steps:
- If your garden site is already established, rake aside any mulch. ...
- Use a shovel or trowel and dig down four inches. ...
- Do this in several different locations in your garden for a representative sample.
- Mix all the samples together in a bucket, removing debris such as rocks or roots, and crush clumps of dirt with your fingers.
How to get a good soil sample?
To gather cores with a spade or trowel:
- Insert the spade or trowel to the desired depth in the soil, creating an opening.
- Create a soil slice about 1/2 inch thick by reinserting the spade next to the initial opening.
- Remove the tool with the slice intact, and take a 1-inch-wide core strip from the center down the entire length.
How to conduct a soil pH test?
Testing pH Using Soil Strips
- Dig for a Sample. Using a hand shovel, dig 4 to 6 inches below the surface of your garden to obtain a soil sample.
- Collect the Soil. Place 1 to 3 teaspoons of soil in a clean glass. ...
- Pour in Distilled Water. Fill the glass with distilled water to the same level as the soil sample.
- Agitate the Soil. ...
- Drain the Sample. ...
- Use the pH Test Strip. ...
- Repeat the Process. ...
Is a soil test worth it?
Getting a soil test is a great way to measure its health and fertility. These tests are generally inexpensive, though well worth any cost when it comes to growing and maintaining healthy plants in the garden.
What will a soil test tell you?
The soil test will tell you the percentage of organic matter you have in your soil and will “credit” you a certain amount of nitrogen for it. This will minimize the risk of applying excess nitrogen which might then wash out of your soil and into surrounding waterways.
How long does a soil pH test take?
The whole process will take just 15 minutes or less. The results aren't as precise as a laboratory test, but will give you a ballpark idea if your soil is acidic or alkaline. An extreme reaction in either direction tells you to amend your soil to bring it into an ideal pH range for the plants you want to grow.
What is the perfect soil test results?
Keep in mind that a soil test is a chemical way of estimating the nutrients available to the plant. The pH is a measure of soil acidity. Generally 6.6 or lower indicates acidic soil, 6.7 to 7.3 means neutral soil, and a reading higher than 7.3 means the soil is basic.
What are 5 things that a soil sample report will tell you?
The 5 things your soil test will tell youpH (whether your soil is acidic or alkaline)Macronutrient levels (these are the big three: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium)Secondary and micronutrient levels.Soil texture.Organic matter amount.
What does a soil test tell you for building a house?
Soil engineers test the composition of the soil in order to determine if it is strong soil or weak soil. Strong soil is soil that does not expand or contract excessively in regards to moisture, and it has a good density, which means it won't greatly compact or settle after construction is complete.
How accurate are soil test kits?
Rapitest yielded accurate results 92% of the time for all nutrients and pH less than 7.5 and was comparatively easy to use and interpret with color-coded extractants and test boxes and instructions in large print on stiff paperboard; this kit would be a good choice for the home gardener.
Should I test my soil before planting?
Testing soil — especially new garden soil — helps guarantee your vegetables and other plants will do their best during the growing season. And springtime, just before you begin planting, is the best time to do it. Home kits are not only effective but make soil testing easy.
What happens when soil pH is too high?
When soil pH is too high, it can pose problems for plant health and growth. For many plants, soil that is high in alkalinity makes it harder for plants to drink in nutrients from the soil, which can limit their optimal growth.
What are three items found on a soil test report?
The Standard Gardening Test on the Home, Grounds & Garden form includes conventional and organic recommendations; nutrients include extractable calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus; organic matter content, and soil pH. Also included is a soil lead screening analysis.
What does P mean in a soil test?
P. Problem. Includes soft soils, such as soft clay or silt or loose sands; landslip; mine subsidence; collapsing soils; soils subject to erosion; reactive sites subject to abnormal moisture conditions or sites which cannot be classified otherwise.
What do soil test results look like?
A reading of 7 is neutral; crops typically grow best when pH is between 6 (slightly acidic) and 7.5 (slightly alkaline). Results of soil pH are reported on a logarithmic scale; a soil with a pH of 6 is 10 times more acidic than a soil with a pH of 7, and a pH of 5 is 100 times more acidic than a pH of 7.
What is soil testing?
Soil testing is a quick and accurate method to determine the relative acidity of the soil (pH) and the level of several essential nutrients (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, manganese, copper, and zinc) needed. The test results will aid you in plant selection, soil preparation, and fertilization.
What happens when water passes through soil?
Also, as water from rainfall or irrigation passes through the soil, acids displace basic cations (positively charged ions) such as calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), which are then leached from the soil . Acidity generally increases (pH decreases) with soil depth, so soils that are eroded are acidic unless properly limed.
How does pH affect soil?
Also, as water from rainfall or irrigation passes through the soil, acids displace basic cations (positively charged ions) such as calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), which are then leached from the soil. Acidity generally increases (pH decreases) with soil depth, so soils that are eroded are acidic unless properly limed. Heavy use of some nitrogen fertilizers also can increase soil acidity.
What factors determine the amount of lime needed to raise the pH of soil?
Soil texture, organic matter content, crop to be grown, target pH, soil acidity level, cation exchange capacity (CEC), type and amount of clay, and current pH are factors to consider in determining the amount of lime needed to raise the soil pH.
What is the CEC of soil?
CEC: Cation exchange capacity is a measure of the soil's capacity to hold basic cations such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium, plus the acidic cations hydrogen and aluminum. CEC increases as soil organic matter, pH, and clay content increase. This calculation is given in milliequivalents per 100 grams of soil.
What is the best way to raise pH in soil?
Liming to raise soil pH. Two general classes of liming material may be used to raise the soil pH. Calcitic lime is composed of calcium carbonate and can be used on soils high in magnesium. Dolomitic lime is a mixture of calcium and magnesium carbonates; it should be used on soils low in magnesium.
What is the best soil pH for plants in North Carolina?
Plants require different pH levels for optimum growth and productivity. A slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0 to 6.5) generally is considered ideal for most plants in North Carolina. However, blueberries, rhododendrons, mountain laurel, and centipedegrass grow best in soils with a pH between 5.0 and 5.5.
What is soil test?
What is a soil test? The soil testing lab takes your soil sample, dries it, and runs a small portion of the sample through a series of sophisticated test equipment. The results provide a chemical inventory of the soil – clues as to the quantity of nutrients or elements in the soil and their availability for plant growth.
What is the lead test for soil?
All home grounds and gardens soil samples are screened for lead. At high levels, lead is toxic to humans, and young children are at the highest risk. Plants do not readily incorporate lead into their tissues, but high levels of lead may be found on leafy vegetables (e.g. lettuce) or root crops grown in contaminated soil. Depending on the results of the “Lead Screen”, a series of recommendations will be given to minimize any risks that may be present. At higher levels, the recommendations will include doing a “Total Lead Analysis” to more accurately determine the levels of risk present in the soil. Since our main concerns are related to vegetable gardens, if lead contamination is present, non-edible crops can be grown. For further information on lead, refer to “Lead Screening for NH Soils”
What is the pH of NH soil?
7.0 is a neutral level; less than 7.0 is acidic and greater than 7.0 is alkaline. Although NH soils are naturally very acidic (pH 4.5 – 5.5), most plants prefer a pH range of 6.0 – 6.5.
How long does it take to get a soil sample back?
How to Take a Soil Sample. Keep in mind that soil test results generally take a couple of weeks to arrive back from the lab. Lime may need up to six months to produce the full effect in raising the soil pH.
What are the limitations of soil testing?
Limitations of Soil Testing. Soil testing can let you know where your soil needs treatment or improvement. However, a soil test cannot do any of the following: Tell you which crop to grow. Prevent poor crops caused by drought, disease, insects, too much water, or other problems. Substitute for proper cultural practices.
How to improve soil quality?
To find out what you need to do to improve your soil's quality, you should know each of the following attributes of the soil: 1 Current pH levels of your soil. 2 Fertility levels of the principal nutrients. 3 Type and quantity of lime your soil needs. 4 Nutrients need to be added to your soil as fertilizer. 5 Amount of fertilizer your crop and soil needs.
How to sample lawns for a lawn?
Sample lawns only to a 3-inch depth. Mix together the cores from one field or area. Put about a pint of the mixed soil in a soil sample bag. Identify the samples by letter or number. Make a sketch or record of some kind so you will know which sample came from which field or area.
What are the attributes of soil?
To find out what you need to do to improve your soil's quality, you should know each of the following attributes of the soil: Current pH levels of your soil. Fertility levels of the principal nutrients. Type and quantity of lime your soil needs. Nutrients need to be added to your soil as fertilizer.
Why is soil testing important?
In order to achieve positive outcomes for plants, utilizing a soil test and understanding the results can be a vital pieces of knowledge that can bring insights from a soil science perspective . This information will allow for proper decision making and act as a springboard for thinking about yet more "Next Steps."
What is the pH of soil?
Soil pH is a measure of the active acidity or alkalinity in soil. Most turf and ornamentals prefer a pH of 6.0-to 7.5. Certain acid-loving plants prefer a pH <6.0. Refer to diagram to understand and compare the specific pH results.
What is soil test?
What is a Soil Test? A SOIL TEST is a chemical analysis that estimates a soil’s ability to supply nutrients. Results from a SOIL TEST allow you to monitor soil chemical conditions, tap existing nutrient supplies, identify nutrient deficiencies, and apply optimum fertilizer amounts.
What are the benefits of soil testing?
Benefits of Soil Testing. Take advantage of nutrients already in the soil. Identify nutrients that are lacking in the soil. Reduce fertilizer applications by applying only what is needed. Provide a proper balance of plant nutrients. Adjust soil pH to an optimum level.
When is the best time to evaluate soil nutrient status?
The best time to evaluate the nutrient status of the soil is during a time when plants aren’t growing, although any time of year is satisfactory. In any case, it’s more environmentally friendly to SOIL TEST than to guess about which fertilizers to use.
How to collect soil samples?
Collecting a Good Soil Sample 1 Soil properties vary from place to place. The sample should be representative of the lawn or garden as a whole. 2 Do not sample unusual or non-representative areas. 3 Scrape plant debris from soil surface before sampling. 4 Sample lawns and gardens to a 6” depth. 5 Using a clean bucket and a soil probe or spade, combine cores or slices of soil from at least 15 locations scattered throughout the lawn or garden (see diagram). 6 Mix soil thoroughly and fill the sample bag with a pint of the mixture. 7 Submit samples to your county Extension office. They will send samples to the OSU Soil, Water and Forage Laboratory for testing.
What Information Is on The Report form?
- The soil test results are sent to you by email or via the U.S. Postal Service on a computer-generated report form. Each report has a common format. • Lab ID: Each sample is given a unique number. Please refer to this number if you have any questions. • Sample Name: The name you gave to this soil sample. For example, Front Lawn. • Lab Run Date: The date the lab analyzed you…
Lead Screening
- All home grounds and gardens soil samples are screened for lead. At high levels, lead is toxic to humans, and young children are at the highest risk. Plants do not readily incorporate lead into their tissues, but high levels of lead may be found on leafy vegetables (e.g. lettuce) or root crops grown in contaminated soil. Depending on the results of the “Lead Screen”, a series of recomme…
Why Doesn’T The Lab Test Nitrogen?
- Nitrogen is a very unstable element. Its availability changes from week to week as a result of biological activity in the soil and weather conditions. To accurately measure nitrogen, samples must be frozen immediately and shipped quickly to the lab – a very expensive process. Therefore, nitrogen recommendations are based on crop need rather than on...
Why Are There No Recommended Values Given For Minor elements?
- Soil fertilizer and lime recommendations are made based upon years of field research. Scientists have looked at the level of nutrients in the soil, analyzed crop growth, and determined how much of certain nutrients are needed each year for specific crops. Most of this research has concentrated on major plant nutrients – Mg, Ca, K and P – those needed by plants in the largest …
Glossary of Terms on The Report Form
- pH- Indicates whether the soil is acid or alkaline. 7.0 is a neutral level; less than 7.0 is acidic and greater than 7.0 is alkaline. Although NH soils are naturally very acidic (pH 4.5 – 5.5), most plants prefer a pH range of 6.0 – 6.5. Exceptions are acid loving plants such as blueberries, azaleas, rhododendrons, mountain laurel and holly, which prefer pH 4.5 – 5.5. Lime is most commonly us…