Soil Testing

IS A SOIL TEST?
A soil test is a process by which elements (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, and zinc) are chemically removed from the soil and measured for their 'plant available' content within the sample. The quantity of available nutrients within the sample determines the amount of fertilizer recommended.

WHY DO YOU NEED A SOIL TEST?

It accelerates the results you'll see because it allows us to determine the proper recipe required to return your soil to a more healthy, natural condition. 
When growers guess about the need for lime or fertilizers, too little or too much is likely to be applied. By using a soil test report, the grower does not need to guess. 

It is also required by the State of  Maryland

• When the pH is wrong, nothing works right. Not fertilizers, not weed killers, and especially not the biological components within the soil.
• When the Organic Matter content is low…the soil is unproductive, and plants or turf lack the energy sources to help them grow.
• When soluble salts and chlorides are too high, the microbes that live in the soil and help aerate and digest dead grass stems and blades (turning them into organic material) are killed, thereby increasing soil compaction and thatch development.
• When the soil is compacted, not enough air, water or nutrients can enter the root zone, so the plants suffer greatly.
• When the soluble salts and chlorides are too high, the roots gets burned, significantly reducing the amount of water and nutrients the plant can absorb.
• When nutrients are out of balance with each other, in short or excessive supply, or not available for the plants use, the plant is not as healthy and therefore more susceptible to disease and insect attacks.
• When secondary & micro nutrients are lacking the grass plant is weak and damaged more easily by wear & tear, drought conditions and insect/disease problems.

The cost for this service is $48.00 and we will take 8-10 core samples of your soil and send them to a professional soil lab where the samples will be carefully analyzed. This process typically takes about 7 to 10 business days.