COLUMBIA, Mo. – When soil is workable, start your gardening season off right with a soil test.
A soil test reveals nutrient levels and pH balance, which are critical factors for successful gardening. “A soil test is the first step for building healthy soil and ensuring gardening success,” says Rasel Parvej, director of the University of Missouri Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory.
MU Extension horticulture specialist Kathi Mecham highlights three key reasons to test soil in early spring or fall:
Save money by avoiding unnecessary fertilizer purchases. Protect the environment from nutrient runoff. Grow bigger and better produce and flowers.
Following soil test recommendations helps gardeners apply only what their gardens need. Soil tests also identify harmful contaminants in the soil, such as lead, which is especially important in urban areas.
“Although our regular soil test does not include lead or other heavy metals, the MU Soil and Plant Testing Lab offers heavy metal package that includes lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), antimony (Sb), etc.,” says Parvej.
Soil tests tell the nutrient content of the soil so that the gardener knows what nutrients are too low or too high. Results also tell the soil’s acidity/alkalinity (pH), which dictates how the soil can absorb available nutrients.
The lab provides specific instructions for the specific nutrients and amounts needed to correct imbalances, says Parvej. MU Extension horticulture and agronomy specialists also can help interpret the results.
Applying the correct amount of fertilizer helps with two other lawn and garden challenges: choosing the right plant and excessive pruning. Not all plants are suited to all soils, so a soil test helps you choose the right plant in the right place, says Mecham. Also, too much fertilizer can lead to sudden plant growth for trees and shrubs, requiring extra care of the plants.
Plants can become stressed when there is an overabundance of nutrients, which makes them more susceptible to pests and diseases.
For the most reliable results, Parvej recommends following the instructions listed on the lab’s website at https://soilplantlab.missouri.edu or watching a video at https://youtu.be/sQ2GJPCWJD8.
For more information, consult the MU Extension publication “Soil Sampling Depth and Collection Techniques for Soil Fertility and Soil Health Testing,” available at https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g9070.
Accompany your sample with the soil sample information form, which you can download at https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/mp555.
You can mail your samples or drop them off on the MU campus. There is reserved parking north of the MU Memorial Union and west of Mumford Hall for the convenience of those dropping off soil samples.
Send samples well enough in advance so you have time to purchase the necessary supplies for the gardening season, advises Parvej.
MU Extension is the link between the University of Missouri’s proven research, knowledge and resources and Missouri’s 6.2 million citizens. With state and local partners, we deliver real-world solutions to address our state’s grand challenges around agriculture, economic opportunity, educational access and health and well-being. Faculty and staff in 114 counties and the city of St. Louis work to empower people, strengthen communities and develop leaders. True to our land-grant mission, we serve Missouri and deliver Mizzou as we improve lives and opportunities.
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