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.
Crops to be planted can be easily selected if one understands the soil structures and nutrients in various parts of a piece of land. Understanding the nutrient content in various parts helps one to plant the right crops in the right places. These tests can also help in diagnosing what occurred in case crop performance deteriorates without any apparent cause.
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.
Testing the soil is very important for many reasons. First of all, it is possible to maintain the fertility of the soil when it is tested first. The quantity of plant nutrients available in soils during the growing season affects the fertility and nutrients. Adding fertilizers, sulfur, manure, lime, mulch, and compost adds nutrients. Nutrients from are also lost to the ground through leaching.
The tests serve as a planning tool to direct one into taking certain actions. The process can be performed any time of the year provided the land is workable. However, it is advisable to have the assessment done before one plants crops. Doing the test way in advance gives one plenty of time to evaluate the results and take corrective measures.
It is more effective to perform certain corrective measures at a particular time of the year than others. For example, lime works best when it is applied during fall to lower the acidity in soils. For the case of sulfur, it should be applied during spring to reduce acidity.
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.
Crops to be planted can be easily selected if one understands the soil structures and nutrients in various parts of a piece of land. Understanding the nutrient content in various parts helps one to plant the right crops in the right places. These tests can also help in diagnosing what occurred in case crop performance deteriorates without any apparent cause.
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.
Testing the soil is very important for many reasons. First of all, it is possible to maintain the fertility of the soil when it is tested first. The quantity of plant nutrients available in soils during the growing season affects the fertility and nutrients. Adding fertilizers, sulfur, manure, lime, mulch, and compost adds nutrients. Nutrients from are also lost to the ground through leaching.
The tests serve as a planning tool to direct one into taking certain actions. The process can be performed any time of the year provided the land is workable. However, it is advisable to have the assessment done before one plants crops. Doing the test way in advance gives one plenty of time to evaluate the results and take corrective measures.
It is more effective to perform certain corrective measures at a particular time of the year than others. For example, lime works best when it is applied during fall to lower the acidity in soils. For the case of sulfur, it should be applied during spring to reduce acidity.
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.
About the Author:
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.