Tuesday, July 16, 2019

For Good Soil Testing California Offers A Recommendable Destination

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By Helen King


Information that is derived from soil tests is the most useful resource that one can rely on for fertilizer recommendations and other applications. Having soils tested is the best way of maintaining good plant health and maximizing productivity of fruit crops an vegetable gardens. The same applies to landscapes and lawns. One is able to pinpoint plant nutrient needs and apply just the correct amount of fertilizer by relying on the tests. When in need of Soil Testing California should be visited.

When one is aware of the structure and nutrient characteristics of the soils in various parts of their land, they are able to select the plants appropriately. The information helps one to plant the right crop in the right place based on nutrient availability. Also, in cases where plants that were initially good go bad, it is possible to diagnose what happened by using these tests.

The test is done by taking some sample soils from the land and having them analyzed in a professional lab. It takes a few days for the soil samples to be analyzed. After the analysis is done, necessary recommendations plus the results are sent back. The recommendations describe what corrective measures should be taken. For example, the recommendations may advise one on the appropriate additives and fertilizers that should be used to increase productivity.

There are several pieces of information that are contained in a standard test. These include cation exchange capacity, base saturation, lime requirement index, and soil pH among others. The status of the most important minerals to the growth of plants will also be provided. These minerals are magnesium, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. If one pays an additional fee, the test can also provide information on copper, zinc, manganese, iron, nitrates, texture, organic matter, and soluble salts.

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.

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.

Certain corrective actions are best if conducted at a given time of the year. For instance, fall is the best time to apply lime on the ground to increase the pH value. Sulfur application on the other hand needs to be performed during spring to lower pH.

One is advised to have the soil tested at intervals of two years. If one needs to achieve more control over the fertility level of their land, then more frequent sampling and testing can be done. Using a reputable laboratory that uses professional equipment and approval testing methods is highly advisable.




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