Up your Soil IQ with Soil Testing
Have you ever wondered what was so special about your dirt? Maybe you have a lawn, garden, or some crop fields that you are curious to learn more about. Or maybe you have been struggling to get growth in your soil. We have a service just for you! We offer soil tests that let you see the nutrient content of your soil and make plans based on the generated recommendations.
What is the big deal about testing soil? Soil tests provide information about the chemical components of your soil, which includes the main nutrients that plants need. If your soil is low on certain nutrients, a soil test can help you to make informed decisions on how to improve your soil. Taking measures to meet your soil’s needs can also be beneficial to the plants growing in the soil. If you can adjust the soil to meet the plant’s needs, then you may enjoy more plentiful harvests or flourishing lawns.
The soil tests that we offer test both the main macro and micronutrients that are found in soil. These nutrients include available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, calcium, magnesium, and more. The tests also include soil pH, organic matter, and cation exchange capacity. Each test includes nutrient application recommendations for the targeted crop or plant species based on the sample results.
We offer two kinds of soil tests: the Ag package and the Turf package. Each test type has three available packages that include a basic test with the general information to a complete test with the general information plus additional micronutrients. The Ag package is geared towards cropland or pasture/hay land. The Turf package is geared towards lawns and gardens. The package types and rates are included below:
• Ag Basic Soil Test Package: $10
• Ag Basic Plus Soil Test Package: $15
• Ag Complete Soil Test Package: $20
• Basic Turf and Ornamental Soil Package: $15
• Basic Turf and Ornamental Soil Test with Micronutrients: $20
• Complete Turf and Ornamental Soil Test Package: $45
In addition to the soil test, we write Voluntary Nutrient Management Plans for the cropland soil tests. The plans are developed using the Tri-State Fertility Guide. The plans are a useful tool to help plan out fertilizer applications for future years depending on the field’s needs and the targeted crops. The best part, the plans are completely voluntary and are made just for your convenience.
Having a nutrient management plan can be helpful to knowing what your soil needs and, in the long run, proper management can save you money. After you receive your soil results, you can generate a plan on what or what not to apply to your soil and at what rates are suitable. Having a plan can help reduce blind over or under applications to your field. If you can make informed applications based on your soil’s needs, you can avoid the wasted money of over-applying nutrients that are not needed. Down the road, you may also gain more money based on your higher crop yields.
Are you interested in learning more about what soil tests and nutrient management can do for you? Join us on March 21st at 6 pm for our Conservation Chat: Rooting for You at Valley Vista Farm. Additional topics that will be covered include cost share opportunities and cover crop journeys from a panel of local farmers.
Are you more of a gardener? Join us on April 11th at 6 pm for our Conservation Chat: Talk Dirt to Me at the Forbes Farmstead Market. This chat will be focused on spring garden prep and, of course, dirt. Both of these events require reservations, so be sure to book your spot by calling us at (419) 281-7645. Ticket prices for both events are $5, or are free if you bring a friend.
If you have any questions in the meantime or would like to sample your soil, call us at (419) 281-7645 or stop in and visit us at the office Monday-Friday 8 am - 4 pm. If soil sampling is new to you, we will help walk you through the process and answer your questions.