One should base their fertilizer recommendations and other applications on information obtained from tests conducted on soils. The best way to keep crops healthy and maximize productivity is to have the soil tested. Lawns and landscaping should also be tested. Results from these tests can be relied on in applying the correct amount of fertilizer that meets the nutrient requirements of the plants grown. When in search of Soil Testing California should be given priority.
Plant selection process is also made easier when one relies on the results obtained from having the soil tested. On large tracts of land, one can know which kind of plants to plant in different parts of the land. Diagnosing of problems with plant growth can also be done easily and faster by relying on the tests.
What one needs to do is to take samples of soils in their land and send them over to a professional lab to have them analyzed. The analysis may take a few days, but then the results are sent back together with useful recommendations to allow one to take corrective measures needed. For instance, one is advised on the additives and fertilizers to apply to improve crop and lawn performance.
A standard test contains several kinds of information. The information includes cation exchange capacity, soil pH, base saturation, and lime requirement index among others. The status of important minerals like magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium is also provided. Additional information that one can have provided if they pay an additional fee includes copper, zinc, iron, nitrates, texture, manganese, soluble salts, and organic matter.
There are many reasons that make having the analysis done crucial. The first reason relates to the fact that the tests give one the ability to maintain proper fertility in the soils. The fertility and nutrients in soils fluctuate during the growing season according to quantity and availability of plant nutrients. On the other hand, plant nutrients get affected by addition of manure, mulch, sulfur, lime, compost, and fertilizers. Leaching also causes loss of nutrients into the ground.
One is guided on actions to take based on the tests. There is no specific time of the year that is most suitable for the test to be done. However, people are advised to have soils tested before they plant crops or lawns as opposed to after planting. One has enough time to analyze the results and take appropriate corrective measures if the test is done long before the planting season.
Some corrective measures work best when they are conducted at a given time of the year. For example, application of lime to raise pH value works best when done in fall. Reducing pH value by applying sulfur on the other hand works best n spring.
It is advisable to have the soils tested after every 2 years. However, the testing can be done more frequently in order to maintain closer control on the fertility of the land. It is also important to have the testing done in a recognized laboratory that has professional equipment, following accredited procedures.
Plant selection process is also made easier when one relies on the results obtained from having the soil tested. On large tracts of land, one can know which kind of plants to plant in different parts of the land. Diagnosing of problems with plant growth can also be done easily and faster by relying on the tests.
What one needs to do is to take samples of soils in their land and send them over to a professional lab to have them analyzed. The analysis may take a few days, but then the results are sent back together with useful recommendations to allow one to take corrective measures needed. For instance, one is advised on the additives and fertilizers to apply to improve crop and lawn performance.
A standard test contains several kinds of information. The information includes cation exchange capacity, soil pH, base saturation, and lime requirement index among others. The status of important minerals like magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium is also provided. Additional information that one can have provided if they pay an additional fee includes copper, zinc, iron, nitrates, texture, manganese, soluble salts, and organic matter.
There are many reasons that make having the analysis done crucial. The first reason relates to the fact that the tests give one the ability to maintain proper fertility in the soils. The fertility and nutrients in soils fluctuate during the growing season according to quantity and availability of plant nutrients. On the other hand, plant nutrients get affected by addition of manure, mulch, sulfur, lime, compost, and fertilizers. Leaching also causes loss of nutrients into the ground.
One is guided on actions to take based on the tests. There is no specific time of the year that is most suitable for the test to be done. However, people are advised to have soils tested before they plant crops or lawns as opposed to after planting. One has enough time to analyze the results and take appropriate corrective measures if the test is done long before the planting season.
Some corrective measures work best when they are conducted at a given time of the year. For example, application of lime to raise pH value works best when done in fall. Reducing pH value by applying sulfur on the other hand works best n spring.
It is advisable to have the soils tested after every 2 years. However, the testing can be done more frequently in order to maintain closer control on the fertility of the land. It is also important to have the testing done in a recognized laboratory that has professional equipment, following accredited procedures.
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You can find a list of the benefits and advantages of using professional soil testing California services at http://www.advancedgeotechnical.com/about right now.
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