Are you curious about why the grass, or perhaps the corn crops, are greener on the other side of the fence? Wonder no more. Simply find a soil testing lab to help you test your fields before you buy your next batch of fertilizer. As any farmer or gardener knows, all land is not created equally. Instead of taking your best guess at what is missing for optimum plant performance, put some science behind your next fertilizer purchase. A soil testing lab helps growers to determine the specific needs of their crops or gardens, which change from season to season. Several nutrients found in the growing material are absolutely essential for proper plant growth. Equally as important is the pH value. Not only will a soil testing lab determine the proper kind of fertilizer and or lime you need to use, but they will also ensure you are not over-fertilizing your plants. Over-fertilization is a waste of money, and it can also lead to burnt, overgrown plants with maturation problems. It is also bad for the environment. The analysis process involves taking multiple samples of the area where you intend to use for your plants. The samples should be taken from the surface to a depth of six inches. If you are testing for a lawn, the samples only need to be drawn from two to three inches down. Make sure your sampling tools are clean. Do not use a garden trowel or bucket that has been used for fertilizer in the past, because the residue may contaminate your samples. Also, make sure the samples are not overly wet. When you receive your soil testing results, you will be informed of the pH value. You will also learn the current levels of phosphate, potassium, manganese, calcium, zinc and magnesium. These chemicals are all highly influential on the health of your plants. Based on your lab results, your soil testing lab will recommend the proper fertilizer and or lime you should use for optimum plant growth. Many growers wonder why nitrogen is so essential to proper plant development, but it is often not a part of the soil testing results. This is because it is a highly mobile substance in ground soil. It is difficult to calculate its exact levels because it is transferred quickly and easily by groundwater. Soil acidity is a key factor for plant growth, and the ideal soil pH varies based on the types of plants you are trying to cultivate. For example, blueberries grow best in acidic soils, but many vegetables fare better under less acidic growing conditions. Whenever you are attempting to get the best possible results from your plants, it is helpful to know their underlying biology. Testing reaps great rewards when it comes to horticulture. If you want the optimum results from your crops this year, take accurate samples and send them to a soil testing lab to determine the best fertilizer to use. When you've got the best looking crops in the region, be sure to tell your friends that it's all thanks to a little bit of science.
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