What is underground has the key to the success of your lawn, and soil tests reveal these ideas. This essential guide essential analysis (pH levels, nutrient content and others, helping to read a soil test report and interpret the data.
Be sure that this is a test that does not require studying. After analyzing hundreds of soil samples during my postgraduate studies, these things are rooted in my brain, and I will help guide it through the process.
What is a soil test and why is it important?
Soil analysis provides a detailed breakdown of the chemical composition of its soil and the general condition. This process offers invaluable information about the underground environment that affects its grass.
I compare soil tests with laboratory work during a medical check -up. The results reveal critical information and highlight potential problems so that you can customize your grass management specifically for your situation. A specific strategy helps prevent problems such as pH imbalances and the shortage of nutrients that lead to a growth of poor growth and susceptibility to grass disease.
For more detailed reasons for which you must routinely try your soil, see: “9 reasons why soil tests are important for the grass.”
Have an expert read the laboratory results of your soil. Hire a place Césped fertilization service To apply the correct nutrients (at the right time) for a healthy grass.
Understand the analysis in your soil test report
Its soil test report can be slightly different according to the laboratory that the analysis performs, but the content is usually very similar, regardless of where you send your sample.
PH of the ground
In most cases, the first value you will see in its soil test report is the pH of the soil, which quantifies hydrogen ions (H+ +) found on the ground. This pH reading matters significantly because it directly affects how your grass and plants can access nutrients.
The pH values cover from 0 to 14, with 7.0 that represent neutral conditions. Point to a pH of the grass floor from 6.0 to 7.0 (slightly acid to neutral) to obtain the best availability and absorption of nutrients.
The extreme levels of pH, too acidic or alkaline, can block essential nutrients, create deficiency problems or make them too available, which leads to toxic levels.
Professional Council: The pH works on logarithmic scale, which means that each full number represents a difference of ten times in acidity. A 6.0 pH is ten times more acidic than pH 7.0 and one hundred times more acidic than pH 8.0.
Adjustment of your pH of the ground
When the pH of its soil is outside the ideal range, its soil test report will specify the pounds of soil amendment necessary by acre to adjust it. Usually, limestone will apply to increase pH and sulfur to decrease it.
See related:
Essential nutrient plant
Like humans require vitamins, plants depend on specific nutrients for growth. These essential elements of the plant are classified into 3 groups according to the amount of plants they require:
- Primary nutrients: Nitrogen (n), phosphorus (p) and potassium (k)
- Secondary nutrients: Magnesium (mg), calcium (ca) and sulfur (s)
- Micronutrients: Boron (b), zinc (zn), iron (faith), manganese (mn), chlorine (cl), copper (cu), molybdenum (mo) and nickel (ni)
Primary and secondary nutrients are required in larger quantities and usually appear as percentages or pieces per million. These macronutrients are the cornerstone of plant nutrition, and deficiencies quickly cause growth and performance problems.
While micronutrients are as important as macros for plant growth, they are necessary in small quantities. They are usually also reported in parts per million.
| Nutritious | Chemical symbol | Average amount measured in PPM | Average amount measured at LBS/ACRE |
| Nitrogen | N (may appear as NO3, the form used by plants) | 25 – 30 | 50 – 60 |
| Phosphorus | P | 25 – 35 | 50 – 70 |
| Potassium | K | 165 – 220 | 330 – 440 |
| Magnesium | Mg | 100 or more | 200 or more |
| Calcium | California | 1,400 or more | 2,800 or more |
| Sulfur | S | 7 – 15 | 14 – 30 |
| Boron | B | 0.3 – 0.5 | 0.6 – 1 |
| Zinc | Zn | 1 – 3 | 2 – 6 |
| Iron | Frowning | 10 – 20 | 20 – 40 |
| Manganese | Minnesota | 8 – 11 | 16 – 22 |
| Chlorine | Cl | 15 – 30 | 30 – 60 |
| Copper | Cu | 0.8 – 1 | 1.6 – 2 |
| Molybdenum | Month | 0.25 – 5 | 0.5 – 10 |
| Nickel | NEITHER | 1 – 20 | 2 – 40 |
Note: Your report may also include sodium (NA), but it is not essential for plants. The sodium is measured to measure the salinity and sodicity of the soil, which is explained shortly.
Correction of nutrient deficiencies
When your soil test confirms nutrient deficiencies, the report will provide fertilizer application rates to boost soil fertility. These recommendations are generally expressed in pounds by ACRE, but sometimes pounds for 10,000 square feet appear to obtain easier residential calculations.
See related:
Organic matter (OM)
Organic matter (OM) represents all biological material in the soil, either alive or previously lives. This encompasses the waste of decomposition plants such as fallen leaves and grass cuts, the remains of animals and living microorganisms.
Soil OM improves soil structure, water retention capabilities and soil capacity to maintain nutrients (cation exchange capacity).
In general terms, higher OM levels indicate better soil health. Ideally, OM should be Between 4% and 6%.
Cation exchange capacity (CEC)
The cation exchange capacity (CEC) measures the “storage system” of nutrients from its soil that remains positively loaded. The highest CEC values indicate a greater capacity to retention of nutrients, which allows the soil to store key minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper and zinc) for the absorption of the plant.
Light and sandy soils have a low CEC due to the limited nutrient storage capacity, while clay -based soils and rich in organic material have greater nutrient reserves (high CEC).
CEC measurements are expressed in milliequivalers of load per 100 grams of soil (mEq/100 g). The optimal values of CEC vary according to their Type of soil and Acidity level.
| PH of soil listed in the results of your soil test | The category of your soil |
| 0 – 6.5 | Acidic soil |
| 6.6 – 7.3 | Neutral soil (7 is true neutral) |
| 7.4 – 14 | Alkaline soil |
Note: CEC readings will generally fall below the numbers in the table when the pH of the floor falls below 7.0; The conditions higher than pH 7.0 generally produce higher CEC results.
Base saturation
The saturation of the base represents the proportion of soil exchange sites full of basic cations, including potassium, magnesium, calcium and sodium. Higher base saturation levels generally indicate a richer and more productive soil with more essential nutrients and less harmful acid cations (hydrogen and aluminum).
Soil test reports show these results such as “base saturation” or “saturation%.” Occasionally, test reports break down saturation levels individually for each element, showing inputs such as “k saturation”, “mg saturation”, etc.
| Base cations | Ideal base saturation on the ground |
| Potassium | 4% – 8% |
| Magnesium | 12% – 25% |
| Calcium | 65% – 80% |
| Sodium | Less than 1% |
Note: Like CEC, base saturation increases and decreases with soil pH.
Soluble salts (salinity)
The analysis of its soil may include a “soluble salts” or “EC” section, especially if it is in coastal regions or dry climates.
These measurements appear in millimos percent (mmhos/cm); Optimal readings should be 0.8 mmos/cm or less. High soluble salt concentrations (saline solution conditions) create water stress for many céspedes and vegetation; Only salt tolerant grasses and other species of salt tolerant plants thrive in these conditions.
Alkaline soils containing excessive sodium become sodic, creating possible root development problems. SODIC CONDITIONS It can exist when:
- Sodium (NA) levels reach 160 ppm or more.
- Sodium base saturation exceeds 1%.
Frequent questions about soil tests and soil test reports
If the pH of your floor is optimal, try every 3 to 4 years to make sure you are not changing. If you have recently adjusted the pH, check it every 1 to 2 years for a few years to make sure it has stabilized.
The best time for soil tests is autumn, just before your grass enters winter. The next preferred moment is at the beginning of spring, before the grass leaves its inactive state.
Test your soil if you see yellow grass, irregular areas or poor growth. These symptoms indicate problems with their grass, and a soil test can help diagnose the problem and direct it to the best solution.
Choose between DIY tests or professional laboratory analysis. Self -assessment Less than $ 20 and offers results in minutes. Laboratory services charge $ 10 to $ 20 For pH tests, while integral nutrient evaluations range from $ 50 to $ 100. Although the laboratory results can take several weeks, you will receive precise measurements and detailed soil analysis reports.
You can also ask your Local Cooperative Extension Office how much they charge for sending their land to the state laboratory.
Trust your care care for professionals
The soil test is the first step to take care of your patio. Knowing the ins and outs of your soil makes it well equipped to make the best decisions for a healthy and vibrant grass.
You will probably notice that your grass takes off after interpreting your soil test report and establishing excellent grass care practices. Contact Lawnstarter, and we will contact a local lawn care that can simplify your routine. Let an expert cut your grass and handle weed control so you can sit and enjoy your beautiful outdoor space.
Main image credit: New Africa / Adobe stock
Amanda Shiffler
The most comfortable with the ground under the nails, Amanda has an enthusiasm for gardening, agriculture and everything related to plants. With a master’s degree in agriculture and more than a decade of experience in gardening and attending to his grass, he combines the knowledge of his plant and the ability to write to share what he knows and loves.
