soil test

[earthandturf]

I am starting my own lawn care business. I will be offering services such as mowing,fertilizing, pruning, weed and insect control and aeration. I would like to offer soil testing, does anyone know where I could get this done in a reasonably quick time and price? I'm in N.E. Illinois. I have recently found this site and it is the most helpful tool in the industry.

[Randy Scott]

Well, this is what I know, and guys, if I'm wrong, let me know. I believe some of your University's in the states have a place to send soil samples to have it tested. That you would have to check on. There are certain ways for you to get the soil from the ground, they have instructions on how to do it.
Another is the soil testing kit you can buy and do yourself. It's available from Gemplers (www.gemplers.com) they have a basic kit that is about $40. It tests for the pH level,phosphorous, nitrogen,and potassium. They also carry an advanced kit for like $300, but that might be more than you need. this is what I know. Hope it helps.

[Acute Cut]

Look in the phone book under labratories. Also, you can talk to your local extension services and they can tell you where (Usually a college) to send samples and how to do so. I just learned this a week ago myself. Check around.

[Old Guy]

Didn't I read somewhere on this forum that Lesco did a soil test?

[lee b]

In Georgia the county extension office will tast soil samples for free, there's also some independant labs that charge about $12.00 a sample.

[nlminc]

Lesco does them and so will your local county extension.

[earthandturf]

Thanks guys, I've got a Lesco dealer nearby, I'll check with him. I,ll also call my county extension.

[kutnkru]

Kelway sells a soil tester that costs around $90

Hope this helps.
Kris

[earthandturf]

Actually, doing it myself sounds even better. Do you find that soil testing helps market your services as well as being helpful in setting up fert programs?

[Garry]

Consider soil testing to be THE most important aspect of proper lawncare. How is it at all possible, to design a nutrition program for plants, when you don't even know the Ph of the soil they're growing in? Todays soil test kits are so easy to use. They are a integral part of the complete landscape picture. A firm understanding of the soil and it's chemistry will only produce positive plant response.


Go to Lamotte.com, they have a excellent website, with a good selection of diffrent kits. I personally use their Delux Turf, Humas, and Organic matter kits with great results. No pre-packaged program can ever beat a program designed from soil test results.

The *indepth* professional soil tests are nice. But six weeks after you took the sample, the results finally show up in your mail box informing you things like your cation exchange capacity being low or soil texture/sandy-loam. Meanwhile, alot of time has passed while the plants suffer. Learning to use the kits, will only make you a more complete and informed specialist.

G. William Lamar

[Craig Turf Management]

LESCO has a really good soil test that costs around 12.00. It takes about 2 weeks to get the results. The best thing about the LESCO test, is they will consult with you about the results, and help tou come up with a fert plan geared toward the individual properties that you tested. I trust their lab far more than I would a store-bought test kit. The best product that LESCO offers isn't in a bag. It's the advice.
Just my opinion, Bill.

[Acute Cut]

Garry:
BULLSEYE! THAT is why i am learning about it as i speak. I just learned what a cation was 3 days ago. Thanks for the encouragement!

Acute Cut

[Strawbridge Lawn]

I intend to buy a self test kit this spring for it will pay for itself in just a few months IMO. Can't see paying anyone to do something if their is a cost effective means available to me. On the other side, is the proper deciphering of the test results and what to do to . A small, but essential learning curve for all in the Biz IMO.

[thefarmer4]

If you interested in a soil test with organic fertilizer recommendations check out http://www.hillvieworganics.com and go to the soil testing section.

[earthandturf]

Sounds like the way to go might be to start wiyh Lesco so that I can learn what the results mean and the action to take, then as I become able to analyze the results myself, switch to a kit.

[TGCummings]

I'm looking into starting with soil-testing this year as well, and really like the idea of doing it myself.

What do some of you veterans of the Turf Wars out there think of self-testing soil? Are the results wildly inaccurate compared to professional labs, or mildly different? Is it unquestionably better and less personally time-consuming to send out for results?

Responses appreciated!

-TGC

[thefarmer4]

The best time to take a soil sample is in the fall if you can. This would be applicable to your mostlyexisting customers. You get you results back faster in the fall.