mardi 2 juillet 2019

For Soil Testing California Is Worth Visiting

By Helen King


Soil tests provide the most reliable information for many applications such as fertilizer recommendations. The best way to maximize productivity and maintain proper plant health is by having soils tested. Land that is used for vegetable gardens, fruit crops, lawns, and even landscaping needs to be tested. The tests provide one with the information they need in order to be able to pinpoint plant nutrient requirements and apply the right amount of fertilizer. When one needs Soil Testing California offers the perfect location to visit.

When one is aware of the structure and nutrient characteristics of the soils in various parts of their land, they are able to select the plants appropriately. The information helps one to plant the right crop in the right place based on nutrient availability. Also, in cases where plants that were initially good go bad, it is possible to diagnose what happened by using these tests.

There are many laboratories in the US where one can take samples of soils from their land to have analyzed. It takes a few days for the analysis to be completed. When the results come back, they contain the kind of information that one needs to be able to undertake corrective measures that the land needs. For example, one is provided with recommendation on what fertilizers and additives they need to buy to achieve more crop productivity and lawn performance.

A standard test is comprised of several pieces of information. Information in this test includes pH, cation exchange capacity, lime requirement index, and base saturation. The test also provides information on the most important minerals required by crops. Such minerals include potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. Information on zinc, iron, texture, soluble salts, manganese, nitrates, copper, and organic matter can also be availed if one pays extra fee.

The test is made crucial by many factors. The first reason why the tests are important is that one is able to maintain the right level of fertility of their land. As plants grow, the fertility and quantity of nutrients available in the soil vary. Nutrient availability is also affected by factors such as addition of mulch, sulfur, manure, lime, fertilizers, and compost. Nutrients are also lost into the ground through leaching.

The tests serve as a planning tool to direct one into taking certain actions. The process can be performed any time of the year provided the land is workable. However, it is advisable to have the assessment done before one plants crops. Doing the test way in advance gives one plenty of time to evaluate the results and take corrective measures.

Some corrective measures work best when they are conducted at a given time of the year. For example, application of lime to raise pH value works best when done in fall. Reducing pH value by applying sulfur on the other hand works best n spring.

One is advised to have the soil tested at intervals of two years. If one needs to achieve more control over the fertility level of their land, then more frequent sampling and testing can be done. Using a reputable laboratory that uses professional equipment and approval testing methods is highly advisable.




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