Soil

The major objective of soil testing is to inventory the soil’s nutrient reserves and chemical composition. Since imbalances in essential elements can limit crop yields, this information is vital to determine what, if any, additions of nutrients are justified to produce maximum economic yields. Soil analysis is the best way to ensure that lime and fertilizer nutrients are applied in both an economically and environmentally responsible manner.

Backed by chemistry and research, soil analysis should be part of every producer’s arsenal to control costs, maximize returns, and protect the environment. Soil testing is extremely effective when combined with sap testing. This allows you as a growing to not only see what is available in your soil, but also exactly what the plant has been absorbing from your soil over the last week or two.

Soil pH is one of the most important factors affecting soil fertility. Plant nutrients are most available when soil pH is maintained at a level just below neutral (pH 6.5 to 6.8). Ground agricultural limestone can be used to raise soil pH to a desirable level.