A soil test is absolutely the best tool available for determining
deficiencies or other problems in your soil that can lead to a host of
problems with your lawn.
Soil testing provides an estimate of plant-available nutrients and identifies any soil borne problems in the soil. It is an essential tool for a sound lawn care program. Periodic soil testing will help to correct nutrient deficiencies and soil problems that are essential to maintaining a healthy lawn. Nutrient deficiencies and serious soil borne problems such as low organic matter or low pH levels will prevent the development of a high quality lawn.
A routine soil fertility test is recommended under the following circumstances:
- Before establishing a new lawn, whether from seed, sod, or sprigs.
- Every two to three years on established lawns, preferably in late summer or fall.
- Annually when attempting to correct a nutrient deficiency or change the soil pH.
- When fertilizers containing phosphate or potash have been used on a regular basis for several consecutive years.
TAKING A SOIL SAMPLE
The results of a soil fertility test can be no better than the representative sample of soil that is submitted to testing.
- Using a coring device, pipe, auger, trowel, spade, knife or other tool, sample to a depth of 3 inches on established lawns or, before seeding, to a 4-6 inch depth.
- Take ten or more columns or slices, at random, from the area to be tested. Combine, crumble and blend the columns or cores thoroughly, in a clean plastic container, removing any stones, grass, roots, or thatch.
- Air dry the sample overnight before sending to the laboratory for analysis.
The results from the soils laboratory are normally completed and mailed back within two to three weeks.
If you'd like to have a soil test taken of your yard, give Central MO Turf Management a call!