What Is a Soil Test, and Why Should Homeowners Perform Them?

Soil testing is a physical or chemical measurement done on the soil. It involves gathering soil samples, preparing for physical or chemical analysis, and explaining the results. The primary purpose of testing your soil is to evaluate the status of soil nutrients and lime requirements. This will help to recommend fertilizer and lime for good farming.

Key Reasons Why Soil Testing Is Essential for Homeowners

Soil nurturing is the crucial step to a blossoming garden. Soil testing and analysis allow you to study the condition of your soil up to the root zone level. Therefore, you can make improvements or changes to ensure your plants have optimum growth. You should be worrying about the best pruning service for your trees and plants – not cutting them down because they’re dying. Here are some key reasons why professional soil testing services are essential for homeowners.

It’s the First Step in Soil Fertility Management

How healthy and strong your plants will be and how long they will survive majorly depend on the pH of your soil. Rain, microbial activity, and fertilizers with an excess of nitrogen can all affect the pH levels of the soil. You will understand the soil condition and how you can improve it.

Soil Testing Avoids Over-Fertilization

Soil containing excess phosphorus and nitrogen can negatively impact your plants. Understanding the nutrient levels in the soil can guide you in the amount of fertilizer to use.

When you recognize the nutrients your soil lacks, you’ll be in a better position to apply the appropriate fertilizer.

Also, soil testing is essential before applying phosphorus. Your lawn won’t absorb the nutrients. Therefore, even if you use fertilizer, those additional nutrients will, in the end, be a waste of money.

Provides Detailed Information on Your Soil

A professional soil testing service provides detailed information on your soil’s properties. Its texture (clay, gravel, sand, silt), pH, organic matter, and other properties such as sand density and overall structure.

Soil contains various layers, and all of them comprise the soil profile. The interconnection of these layers is a vital aspect since they support your plants and can impact their health. The plant growth will be affected if one of these soil properties is degraded. In addition, severe plant malfunction can result if several of them degrade.

Lastly, soil testing can measure soil salinity. This is the amount of salt present in the soil.

Helps Diagnose Problems

Just like soil tests are done to find out nutritional levels or deficiencies in the soil, you can also have it tested to check for disease pathogens. Many viral fungi and diseases can remain inactive in the soil for years. When particular host plants are planted, these dormant diseases become active and spread.

For instance, Alternaria solani is a pathogen that causes early blight in tomatoes. It can stay inactive in the soil for a few years, even without the presence of tomato plants. However, after planting, the disease will start spreading.

Soil testing for such gardens before planting can help avoid disease outbreaks.

When To Do a Soil Test

Soil analysis should be carried out regularly and whenever you notice your plants behaving abnormally. Healthy soil will save you from using extra resources replanting or mistaking the problem for pests.

Bottom Line

At-home soil tests help you know what your soil needs to remain healthy. Soil tests provide information on everything that will keep your plants healthy. BBD Tree Service is your go-to partner if you need professional plant care services. Call us today at (781) 589-9902 or message us online to speak to an expert about the plant care services you need.

Categorised in: Soil Testing

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