As winter starts to turn to spring each year, I begin getting questions from ag producers and homeowners alike on what they should fertilize with and how much they should use. I usually answer them by asking them a series of questions to figure out their own personal situation, but the conversation usually ends with me recommending that they do some soil testing. Without knowing what the nutrient levels are in the soil, it is impossible for anyone to really know what to recommend. So, since we are 4-6 weeks out from optimum fertilizing time, I thought this would be the perfect time to discuss soil testing.
Why do soil testing?
Proper soil fertility is the foundation for plant health; soil pH and nutrient levels vary greatly from site to site. Turfgrass, shrubs, flowers, fruits, vegetables, pastures and rangeland all have specific nutritional requirements. Soil testing is an important diagnostic tool to help ensure the proper amounts of fertilizer are applied. Both over and under applying fertilizers wastes time and money and gives poor results. Over-application can also harm the environment, especially surface and ground water.
