Maximizing productivity is a fact of life in agriculture. The demand for high yields, top quality and environmental stewardship will always be a driving factor. Unfortunately good yields and top quality don’t happen automatically. However, there are tools available to guide you toward these goals in a reliable manner. Soil analysis is the first building block in a sound fertility program. Soil reports should always be used with other information as a guide in arriving at fertilizer and lime recommendations which will help the grower attain their crop yield and quality goals.
Click here for a video by Gigi Neal, Ag & Natural Resource Educator Clermont County showing how to take a soil sample.
Soil Analysis
Better yields and top quality can only be achieved through the proper management of all crop inputs. This requires the crop producer, consultant and dealer to have as much accurate information on the grower's fields and crops as possible. Soil testing is the foundation for some of this critical information.
Why Test Soil?
Crop producers cannot afford to waste money on unnecessary crop inputs. Neither can they afford lower yields or quality caused by insufficient nutrients. Crops cannot obtain the needed nutrients, in the required amounts from infertile soil. Also, as each year goes by, the government is imposing more requirements on crop producers to minimize the amount of surplus nutrients that escape from the farm. Soil testing is a tool that can provide some of the critical, basic information to better manage crops, soils, and the environment.
Agronomic Soil Available Tests
S1 - Includes Soil pH, Buffer pH (when needed) , Organic Matter, Available Phosphorus , Exchangable Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Cation Exchange Capacity(CEC), Percent Base Saturation of Cation Elements and fertility recommendations for up to three crops.
S2 - Includes all of S1 plus the choice of three of the following micronutrients: Boron, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Sulfur and Zinc.
S3 - Includes all of S1 plus Boron, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Sulfur and Zinc.
Cost
$14.00 per sample which covers Sample Analysis and mailing costs. Standard turn-around time is a week to ten days.
Turf and Ornamental
Everyone admires a beautiful, lush, healthy lawn. The first step in achieving one is soil testing to determine the proper nutrient program for maximum turf building. Samples should be taken from several areas of the lawn, especially if they vary substantially in drainage, soil type or other characteristics. Flower and shrubbery beds should also be tested so the particular requirements can be met. This simple low-cost analysis will mean a more luxurious lawn, brilliant flowers and dense foliage.
Why Test Turf Soils?
Soil testing is the best scientific method available to evaluate the nutritional status of the soil. Nutrient stresses and imbalances can reduce plant vigor, which increases the plant’s susceptibility to damage from drought, disease, insects, and other conditions.
That is why soil testing is important. And with so much at stake, your test must be as accurate as possible. Expert testing does not just happen; it’s the result of experienced people, reliable instruments, and a host of related factors. Spectrum Analytic Inc. provides you with professional dedication to accuracy.
Soil testing and proper lawn care will let you fully enjoy the benefits of a beautiful, healthy lawn.
Available Tests
T1 - Our Basic Turf & Ornamental Soil Test Package. Includes Soil pH, Buffer pH (when needed), Organic Matter, Available Phosphorus, Exchangable Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), and Percent Base Saturation of Cation Elements. Fertility recommendations are given for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and lime by plant species on a special turf and ornamental soil analysis report with a graphic display of results.
T2 - Includes Basic T1 with Iron, Manganese, Zinc and Copper. Additional fertility recommendations for iron, manganese, zinc and copper are included on the report.
T3 - Includes all of T2 plus Boron, Nitrate Nitrogen, Sodium, Soluble Salts and Sulfur. Additional fertility recommendations for boron and sulfur included on the report.
Cost
$15.00 per sample which covers Sample Analysis and mailing costs. Standard turn-around time is a week to ten days.