Collecting a Soil Sample 1. Spread soil sample on a piece of paper. 2. Remove and discard leaves, sticks and stones. 3. Using the back of a plastic spoon, crush any lumps larger than a pea. 4. Let soil dry, preferably overnight. 2 One of the most important steps in testing your soil is collecting a representative soil sample. First divide the test area into sections based on the types of plants to be grown.
Soil pH In soils, the pH level is important to both the activity of soil microorganisms and the availability of nutrients to the plant. Generally, pH values between 5.5 and 7.0 provide an ideal balance between microbial activity and nutrient availability. Many plants grow well in slightly acidic soils with pH values between 6.0 – 7.0. Some plants, like hollies and azaleas, grow best in more acidic conditions. Other plants prefer more alkaline conditions. pH levels can be adjusted to desired ranges.
How & When to Fertilize The macronutrients Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium are essential nutrients needed for healthy plants. Macronutrient levels can be readily increased in many ways, using organic matter, composts and fertilizers. All fertilizers have 3 numbers listed on the label to indicate the amounts of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (N, P, K) they contain. Liquid fertilizers generally provide a quick boost of nutrients, much like a vitamin.
Nutrient Level lb per 100 sq ft lb per acre Nitrogen (N) Low 0.09 lb 40 lb Medium 0.37 lb 160 lb High 0.73 lb 320 lb Low 0.02 lb 8 lb Medium 0.06 lb 20 lb High 0.15 lb 64 lb Low 0.09 lb 40 lb Medium 0.18 lb 80 lb High 0.37 lb 160 lb Phosphorus (P) Potassium (K) Once you have tested your soil you will be able to determine if nutrients are needed. Consulting the chart above, you can determine the nutrients required to increase fertility.
Materials Needed: 1 Paper cup 1 Measuring spoons 1 Plastic spoon 1 Clock/Timer 1 Soil Sample 1 Water (distilled water will give the most accurate results) Safety: TesTabs, either alone or reacted with a sample, are not a health hazard. However, the tablets should not be ingested. All reacted test samples can be poured down the drain with lots of running water. Dispose of treated soil samples in the trash. Use with adult supervision. Tablets contain chemicals. Keep out of reach of children. 1 Your Soil 1.
4 Nitrogen Test NOTE: Nitrate WR TesTabs are sensitive to UV light. When testing outdoors, cover the tube with aluminum foil after capping the tube in Step 4. Remove the foil after Step 5. 5 1 2 3 Remove red cap from tube. Fill to BOTTOM line with the clear solution above the soil in the paper cup. Add one NITRATE WR CTA TesTab. 4 5 Cap tube with red cap. Shake vigorously for 2 minutes. Wait 5 minutes for color to develop. 6 Match pink color to the Nitrogen Color Chart.
Eas yt ou Ne s tab w te e! l s easets ar t dis y to e pen se! 10 tests each pH, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Identify the nutrient content of your soil. Determine the nutrients needed to grow healthy plants. Providing the proper level of nutrients will result in better plant development, growth, and health. Excessive use of nutrients in addition to being wasteful, can be harmful to plants and the environment. WARNING! This kit contains chemicals that may be harmful if misused.
