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Soil Testing. Denham Springs Ag. I. What?. Soil tests are performed in the soil in order to determine the amount of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium in the soil area. pH is also determined in a soil sample. Remember……. Nitrogen is used in the plant for……..
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Soil Testing Denham Springs Ag. I
What? • Soil tests are performed in the soil in order to determine the amount of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium in the soil area. • pH is also determined in a soil sample.
Remember…… • Nitrogen is used in the plant for…….. • Phosphorus is used in the plant for……. • Potassium is used in the plant for…….
pH??? • The pH level determines the amount of nutrients a plant can absorb from the soil. • pH scale ranges from 1-14 • 7 is neutral • 1-6.999999 acidic • 7.1-14 basic
pH • Each one point change in the pH scale results in a 10 fold change in relative strength.
pH Continued • Generally plants like a slightly acidic soil. • What pH do you think is ideal for most plants?
What if a soil is too acidic? • Can add lime to suppress some of the acid in the soil. • Slowly over time fertilizer will lower the pH.
What if a soil is too basic? • Leave it alone
When? • Most of the time soil test are performed BEFORE you plant. • Can be done periodically throughout a plants life time depending on the plant.
Where? • NEVER take a sample from only one area! • Take various samples from around where the plant or plants will be planted. • Why do you think that is so?