a good idea so that pH and fertility can be determined and corrected if necessary
a great first step in building soils that will promote healthy plants and discourage disease and pests
a measure of the soil's ability to supply nutrients to growing plants
an analysis of the soil that is used to diagnose soil type, pH, and any nutrient deficiencies that may exist
an important first step in determining whether fertilizer is needed, and if so, what type
an index of the availability of nutrients for plant uptake
a valuable tool in assessing the nutrient needs and nutritional balance of your lawn
a very good way to understand your particular soil and what is or is not in it as far as minerals and nutrients are concerned
A simple process by which the basic nutrients, elements and pH of a soil can be determined.
An analysis of the soil used to diagnose soil type, pH, and any nutrient deficiencies that may exist. Can be done by commercial soil laboratories or your local cooperative extension. Some nurseries have soil-test kits available that can indicate certain specific problems.
A chemical and physical analysis of a soil used to estimate its nutrient supplying power. It must use chemical extraction techniques appropriate for the elements being extracted and the soil being examined. For the results to be interpreted properly, the test procedures must also be calibrated against nutrient rate experiments in the field and in the greenhouse.
A soil test indicates the availability of nutrients present in the soil and the availability of those nutrients to crops grown there.
A measurement of major nutrient (phosphorous, potassium, and nitrogen) and pH levels in the soil.
In agriculture, a soil test is the analysis of a soil sample to determine nutrient content, composition and other characteristics. Tests are usually performed to measure fertility and indicate deficiencies that need to be remedied.