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To Find Soil Testing California Is The Best Location To Check Out

By Helen King


Soil tests provide the most reliable information for many applications such as fertilizer recommendations. The best way to maximize productivity and maintain proper plant health is by having soils tested. Land that is used for vegetable gardens, fruit crops, lawns, and even landscaping needs to be tested. The tests provide one with the information they need in order to be able to pinpoint plant nutrient requirements and apply the right amount of fertilizer. When one needs Soil Testing California offers the perfect location to visit.

When one is aware of the structure and nutrient characteristics of the soils in various parts of their land, they are able to select the plants appropriately. The information helps one to plant the right crop in the right place based on nutrient availability. Also, in cases where plants that were initially good go bad, it is possible to diagnose what happened by using these tests.

The test is done by taking some sample soils from the land and having them analyzed in a professional lab. It takes a few days for the soil samples to be analyzed. After the analysis is done, necessary recommendations plus the results are sent back. The recommendations describe what corrective measures should be taken. For example, the recommendations may advise one on the appropriate additives and fertilizers that should be used to increase productivity.

A standard test is comprised of several pieces of information. Information in this test includes pH, cation exchange capacity, lime requirement index, and base saturation. The test also provides information on the most important minerals required by crops. Such minerals include potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. Information on zinc, iron, texture, soluble salts, manganese, nitrates, copper, and organic matter can also be availed if one pays extra fee.

The test is made crucial by many factors. The first reason why the tests are important is that one is able to maintain the right level of fertility of their land. As plants grow, the fertility and quantity of nutrients available in the soil vary. Nutrient availability is also affected by factors such as addition of mulch, sulfur, manure, lime, fertilizers, and compost. Nutrients are also lost into the ground through leaching.

The tests serve as a planning tool to direct one into taking certain actions. The process can be performed any time of the year provided the land is workable. However, it is advisable to have the assessment done before one plants crops. Doing the test way in advance gives one plenty of time to evaluate the results and take corrective measures.

Certain corrective actions are best if conducted at a given time of the year. For instance, fall is the best time to apply lime on the ground to increase the pH value. Sulfur application on the other hand needs to be performed during spring to lower pH.

The best time interval to have soils tested is after every two years. It is however to test more often than that if one wants to monitor their soils more closely. All tests should be done in a professional laboratory where only state-of-the-art machines are used. The process used in the actual testing must also be reputable and accredited.




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