Ag & Natural Resources
Many Benefits to Soil Testing
If you want to increase crop yields or vegetable and flower garden production next spring, have your soil tested. This is the only way to determine whether the soil has the right alkalinity or acidity to release available nutrients.
The measure of soil acidity is pH, or potential hydrogen. It controls availability of all other nutrients. Generally, agronomic crops grow best when the pH is between six and seven. Some horticultural crops such as azaleas and blueberries require much more acidic soil conditions, in the range of 4.5.
All incorrect soil pH can cause problems. For example, a low soil pH can induce a calcium deficiency; while a high one can cause iron and zinc deficiencies.
Soil test results will give you research-based information on how much lime to use to make the soil more alkaline or sulfur to apply to make it more acidic.
Having the proper levels of soil nutrients will help maximize economic yields. This is increasingly important this year because increasing energy costs mean higher fertilizer prices.
A good soil testing program will maximize returns on your fertilizer investment by identifying fields that already have sufficient nutrients and those with inadequate fertility. Higher fertilizer prices make blanket applications increasingly expensive.
Fall is a good time to take samples for soil testing. The Extension Office has information on taking soil samples and sample bags or boxes. Usually there is a fee of $5.25 to cover the soil cost analysis. In January 2010, the price increases to $6.50. However, now thru the end of November 2009, we will be offering two free soil samples per household.
Taking soil samples in the fall gives you plenty of time to carry out the recommendations. For instance, agricultural lime takes about six months to decompose and react with the soil; so it needs to be applied in the fall. The turn around time for soil tests is usually faster in the fall, generally within a week.
For home lawns, take cores from the surface down to four inches. For gardens, ornamentals and fruit trees, take cores down to six to eight inches. Be sure to take all cores from an area at the same depth. After you’ve collected soil cores, put them in a clean, dry plastic bucket, crush the soil and thoroughly mix it. Allow this to air dry in an open contamination-free space. When it dries, bring about 1 pint to the Extension Office.
It’s a good idea to take core samples around the same time each year to compare results from year to year. To obtain the most accurate soil fertility report, contact the Breathitt County Extension Office at 606-666-8812 for more tips on properly taking samples.
Lowell Hamilton
County Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources
