Soils
What Kind of Soil is on Your Property?
The Web Soil Survey (WSS) provides soil data and information produced by the National Cooperative Soil Survey. It is operated by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and provides access to the largest natural resource information system in the world.
Soil Testing
You can have a soil sample tested at Michigan State University. The Ohio State Extension of Butler County offce has the forms and collecting information on their website.
What is being tested in a soil sample?
The regular soil test includes determination of soil pH, available phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium levels as well as recommendations for lime and fertilizer. Other soil tests are available at supplemental costs, such as organic matter, zinc-manganese, etc.
How soon should I receive test results?
You should receive test results in about two weeks. The analysis takes 3 to 5 working days from the time the lab receives the samples. The results are then mailed to the Extension Office and to the person sending the sample.
Why Should You Test Your Soil?
Each year Americans spend countless hours attempting to achieve and maintain the perfect lawn. This can have environmental impacts, such as excess fertilizer and pesticides washing into storm drains and creeks. Lessening these impacts does not require abandoning our lush landscapes, just rethinking the practices and structures by which we achieve our landscaping goals.
Wise usage of fertilizers and pesticides can reduce the amount of pollutants in our waterways, produce a healthier, greener lawn, and ultimately save you money and time.
Research at the Ohio State University has indicated that the typical four step plan is not necessary. Their research showed that fertilization in the early fall (August or September) and late fall (October, November or December) is optimal for home lawns. Spring and summer fertilization can help your lawn; however, too much fertilizer at these times can cause disease and other problems.
Lawns typically require three key nutrients – Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). A simple soil test will determine how much of each nutrient your lawn will need. You may be adding a nutrient such as phosphorus that your yard already has more than suitable levels of. A soil test will let you know what nutirents your soil is lacking, and the type and levels of fertilizer that you may need. Test kits can be purchased, or you can send a sample off to be analysed. The Ohio State Extension Office can provide you with a soil test packet with directions on how to do this. When you receive the results you can select the appropriate fertilizer nutrient ratio for your lawn. This ratio is always displayed on the fertilizer bag.
How Do You Test Your Soil
A simple soil test will determine how much of each nutrient your lawn will need. To do this you will need a soil probe, auger, or spade, and a clean plastic pail, as well as a soil test packet (soil sample baggie, test information sheets, and envelope) from the Butler Countyl OSU Extension Office. Using your digging tool take a small sample of the soil about 6-8 inches deep and place the sample in the pail. In total collect about 15 – 20 samples that are uniformly distributed throughout your yard so that the results will be representative of the entire area. All of the samples should be mixed together thoroughly in the pail and then transferred to a soil sample baggie until it is ¾ full. Fill out the information sheet and mail with $12.00/sample. When you receive the results you can select the appropriate fertilizer nutrient ratio for your lawn. This ratio is always displayed on the fertilizer bag.