Soil Testing

[chris brauch]

i'm expanding into some minor landscaping and lawn renovation services other than just mowing grass, and had a question about soil testing. i googled this topic, and all i found was government agencies regarding information about soil testing saying i need to take samples and send it to my local county extension office to find out what fertilizer is needed. any suggestions on how to do this on my own? If i am going to get my customers on a regular seeding and fertilizing schedule, is a soil test necessary for them?

[Dr.NewEarth]

Now you've gone and opened a can of worms. You want to do your own soil test!

If you know what to look for in the lawn and what weeds and what not are present there, you can get an idea of what is deficient.

This takes alot of knowledge and practice. Weeds are indicators of site problems!
Weeds can tell you what nutrients are abundant or missing.

If you know why weeds are growing where they are, you can get an idea of what is deficient or problematic with your soil.

Farmers have relied on this method since the beginning of time.

You can go to the H.D. or a garden store and pick up a $20 dollar soil test that will tell you basically what the N-P-K amounts are in your sample.

Knowing what your soil is made up of is helpful too. Ratios of Clay to sand and silt.

The other important thing is your pH. If you aren't in the ballpark and close to a neutral pH(7), then you can add whatever fertilizers you want and you will get poor results.

There is a magnetic/chemical reaction that requires a proper pH level so that the fertilizer can work properly.

You can get a package of pH testers at your local hot tub dealers. Or the H.D.

Take this information for what it is. Some inexpensive, basic tests that you can experiment with by yourself.

If you send a sample out for testing, they will give you alot more information on not just the N-P-K, but usually micro nutrient deficiencies and pH. They usually give recommendations to correct the soil problems too.

Prices vary from region to region. I've read twenty-five bucks up to $125 dollars.

Now, like I said...a can of worms. I'm now going to unsubscribe to this thread.

Good Luck always.