Whether your goal is a plush green lawn or a large harvest of vegetables, soil fertility testing is the place to start. It helps by determining a soil’s pH and need for lime and fertilizer.
WHY DOES SOIL pH MATTER?
Soil pH is a scale to measure how acidic or
alkaline the soil is. Soil pH of 7 is neutral, below 7 is acidic and a pH above
is alkaline.
Plants, vegetables and grass grow better, are
healthier and produce more within their own pH range. The proper pH permits plants to absorb minerals from the soil. Evergreens
require an acidic pH around 4.5 while tomatoes need a pH of 7.0.
By
knowing the plant nutrition needs of your lawn and gardens, you can prevent the
over-application of fertilizers.
Samples from rhododendron, azalea, and other
broadleaf evergreen
areas should be kept separate from other shrub areas. Also sample separately
areas that have previously received different lime or fertilizer treatments
and areas that are noticeably different in plant or soil quality.
Soil test sampling kits are available in most states from you local county Cooperative Extensive Service, listed in the yellow pages.
Here in NJ the soil testing kits sold for a fee of $20 from most of Rutgers Cooperative Extension offices at the Garden Helpline offices.
I n New Jersey, the Rutgers Soils Laboratory uses state-of-the-art instruments and methods of soil analysis. They suggest soil testing be repeated every 2–3years.
In Union County the office is at 300 North Ave East, Westfield, NJ, on the 2nd floor. You can also purchase soil test kits by mail.
For more information contact the Union County Garden Helpline
at 908-654-9852.
Happy Gardening, James
Soil test sampling kits are available in most states from you local county Cooperative Extensive Service, listed in the yellow pages.
Here in NJ the soil testing kits sold for a fee of $20 from most of Rutgers Cooperative Extension offices at the Garden Helpline offices.
The best time to take a soil sample is before spring fertilization or after harvest in the fall or. Do not sample shortly after a lime, fertilizer, or manure application
or when the soil is excessively wet. For lawns, late summer sampling will prepare you for fall fertilization.In Union County the office is at 300 North Ave East, Westfield, NJ, on the 2nd floor. You can also purchase soil test kits by mail.
For more information contact the Union County Garden Helpline
at 908-654-9852.
Happy Gardening, James
For a comprehensive list of Rutgers Cooperative Extension publications visit www.rce.rutgers.edu
No comments:
Post a Comment