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Soil analysis

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New gardeners, or gardeners starting a new bed in unfamiliar soil, benefit from testing the soil for vital nutrients and pH levels. The resulting soil analysis provides direction for amending soil to create nutrient-rich soil that supports vigorous ...

 


Doc Sprockett "The nitty-gritty of soil test kits: soil analysis is only as good as the samples you gather, so don't make the same mistake I once made - clean out your collection container first - Column". Flower & Garden Magazine. FindArticles.com.

Soil analysis and improvement
Healthy soil is essential to healthy plant life, and moreover, it conserves water. Add organic soil amendments, and when fertilizer is necessary, use slow-release types to prevent polluting runoff.

A soil analysis will disclose your soil's pH and also can reveal nutrient deficiencies.
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Soil analysis
Healthy soils grow healthy plants. Test the soil for organic matter and nutrient content before the adding amendments.

For soil analysis or nutritional analysis would be useful, submit the sample directly to the Cornell Nutrient Analysis Lab.
Insect Damage:
If you suspect insect damage, submit the sample directly to the Insect Diagnostic Lab.

Get a soil analysis before you fertilize. This will help you determine what nutrients your plants need (obtain soil test forms and instructions at your local Extension office).

Traditionally, soil analysis was done by agricultural colleges for farmers, who need to know what kind of fertilizer to use for maximum yield. Now, a cottage industry of commercial testers has sprung up to give home gardeners the dirt on their earth.

Send the bag to your county extension office for a soil analysis.
All fertilizers are labeled with three numbers on the package.

Take necessary steps to remedy soil issues based on those findings. Ask a local nursery for recommendations of soil analysis labs or home tests you can perform yourself. Feeding the soil with natural additives will ensure the health of your plants.

Once the soil analysis is complete, you will know exactly what should be added to the soil and in what amount. This is not the time for skimping. Any extra effort you put into advance preparation will pay off in superior results for years to come.

Soil sampling doesn't have to be done every year if the same crop is to be grown in the same location, but it should be done every two to three years. On years when you're not soil-testing, use the soil analysis from the previous year (as long as the ...

-- from several locations in the garden bed or lawn and blend the soil in a bucket. After all the soil has been mixed together, remove a small sample (typically a pint or less) and have it analyzed - see soil analysis
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See also: Soil, Plant, Nutrient, Gardening, Water