Soil Testing

What is the best method of determining the treatment a given soil requires? Test your soil; or have it tested. Your county agent or State Agricultural or Experiment Station will do this for you.

What is the approximate cost of having soil analyzed? It varies. A few states make no charge.

Are the chemistry sets on the market practical? They are rough tests only, worth very little unless interpreted by a trained technician.

Can I learn the true nature of the soil from a test? Yes. A good soil-testing kit will give acidity, nitrates, phosphates, potassium, calcium, etc., but note answer to above question.

What size of soil sample is desired? If your soil varies in nature from place to place, don't mix soil for tests, as is often recommended. It can vary as much as 3 to 4 points in pH and nutrients in a few feet. A general mixture test is worthless. In such cases, send separate samples. Write your Experiment Station for directions before sending sample.

How can I obtain information on soil analysis without the necessity of taking a course in chemistry? Write to your Agricultural Experiment Station for information on soil testing. Several stations have published bulletins on this subject.

After testing, how can I know what to add to soil, in what quantities, and when? Without experience in testing, one cannot tell from a soil test just what kinds of quantities of fertilizers to use. Send your sample to your Agricultural Experiment Station. All fertilizers contain analysis on each bag.

Which soil should I send for analysis? Soil screened last fall and stored in cellar, or fresh soil as soon as frost is out of it? Tests of cold soils are inaccurate. Wait until mid-June before taking samples in cool climates.

How can we determine what vegetable or fruit a soil is best suited to produce? The best procedure is to consult your local county agricultural agent.

Should untilled soil be analyzed to determine its fertility? Such tests are meaningless if you intend to use soil in tilled condition. Work soil and allow organic matter to decompose before testing.

Should I have my soil tested to determine its acidity? If plants grown do well, it is not necessary. It is desirable to have periodic tests of soils which are used to grow plants that require specific soil reactions, such as rhododendrons and azaleas. Home test kits will tell pH accurately enough and usually cost no more than a laboratory test. They can make many future tests without additional cost.

Can soil condition be determined by what is found growing on it, such as wild blueberries and sour-grass? Can soil with fine shell stone be good? Yes. For example, blueberries indicate acid soil; dandelions alkaline soil. Too much lime from shells may be detrimental to some plants.