Whether you want high forage production, a bountiful vegetable harvest, beautiful rose bushes or a lush, green lawn, having your soil tested is the key to plant growth. Soil testing measures nutrients that are available for plant uptake and the acidity or alkalinity of a soil (pH). Soil testing can save you time and money and protect water quality when you buy and apply the site-specific fertilizer or lime recommended based on your soil test results.
Map out the areas that are managed differently and collect separate representative samples from each. For a pasture, garden, lawn or around shrubs, dig 10-12 shovelfuls in a zig-zap pattern across a given area to a depth of about 4 inches. Mix these sub-samples thoroughly in a clean bucket and bring two cups of the composite soil sample to your local Cooperative Extension Service Office.
In about two weeks, you will receive your soil test report by mail. The soil nutrient levels, pH and recommendations for fertilizer and lime applications can serve as a guide for fertilizer practices for the next three years. If you have tests that are over four years-old, take samples again for up-to-date recommendations.
Fall is a great time to test your soil as results are returned much faster than in the spring. Fall sampling also allows you to sample during good weather, provides time for planning for the next growing season, and gives lime applications time to react prior to spring planting. Fall sampling may result in lower pH and soil test K levels due to uptake and release patterns of nutrients by the crop. But, if you consistently sample during the same season, this variability will be minimized.
Visit www.uaex.edu and search "test your soil" to learn how to collect a soil sample for analysis or search "understanding the numbers" for help on interpreting your soil test results.
Katie Teague is County Extension Agent - Agriculture/Water Quality with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.
General News on 09/10/2014