Do you know what’s in your soil? Soil testing helps you assess both nutrients and pH levels to determine the health of your soil, or how much it needs to be fertilized. There are special soil testing kits available in lawn and garden centers to make the process easy and economical.

Soil Testing Kit Contents

You should test your soil periodically throughout the growing season to gauge how to adjust fertilizer schedules. Kit contents can vary, but it should include everything you need to test for how much nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is in the soil, plus the pH level to determine acidity and alkalinity of the area.

What you’ll find in the kit:

• Test capsules
• Mixing chambers
• Dropper
• Soil color comparison chart
• pH preferences
• Instructions on how to alter your soil.

How to Test the Soil

1. Take a small sample of soil and mix with water.
2. Transfer mixture to the mixing chamber with a dropper.
3. Add powder from matching color capsule, and wait while solution develops.
4. Compare the color of soil solution to the chart.

For nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K) test results, the nutrient level is indicated on a scale from 0 (depleted) to 4 (surplus). These nutrients are important for optimal soil health and plant growth. If the test shows any of these levels are depleted, treat your soil with organic matter and fertilizers rich in these nutrients.

As for pH test results, it’s usually on a scale from 4.5 to 7.5. Soil acidity or alkalinity influences how easily plants absorb nutrients from the soil. Most garden plants favor soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7, because this is the level where nutrients and minerals naturally thrive.

If you have any questions about testing your soil and what to do about the results, contact Cardinal Lawns for a consultation today.