Soil Testing

Soil testing should be performed on every lawn. Homeowners can do soil testing themselves with soil testing kits or can hire outside companies to do soil testing for them. Soil testing helps with lawn care tremendously. In many areas, County extension offices can provide soil testing services for a minimal charge. Soil testing is needed before fertilization of any lawn or garden. Soil tests tell you about the nutrient levels and pH levels of the soil which affect plant growth.

What is soil testing?

Soil testing is the process of analyzing the nutrients in the soil sample.

Why do people do soil testing?

The purpose of soil testing is to determine the type and amount of fertilizer needed for lawn care. Periodic soil testing gives homeowners the necessary information for them to maintain a healthy lawn or garden.

The importance of soil testing

Without soil testing, you will have to guess what fertilizers and how much to use on your lawn. Soil testing helps avoid using too much fertilizers or too little. This helps keep the cost of lawn care low as well as help the environment.

Negative effects of using too much fertilizers

Using too much fertilizers is harmful for your lawn and garden. When it rains, the rain also washes excessive fertilizers off your lawns, polluting the water which ends up in nearby lakes and streams. Excessive nutrients from fertilizers also promote algae growth in streams, threatening wildlife.

What can soil testing tell me about my lawn or garden?

Soil testing will answer the following questions:

• what nutrients does my soil need?
• what type of fertilizer should I use on my lawn?
• How much fertilizer should I use on my lawn?
• How often should I fertilizer my lawn?

What doesn't soil testing tell me?

Soil tests' results will not tell you about:

• insect populations
• diseases
• drainage issues
• pesticides
• other chemical levels