The first step to achieving a healthy lawn is to have the soil tested for fertility and other properties. Soil testing refers to a single or a series of tests conducted on a sample with the intention of determining its properties. The test may aim at determining only a single aspect of the sample such as pH level or it may target to establish various qualities. In the latter case, multiple tests are conducted on a sample. When in search of Soil Testing Ventura County should be given priority.
Determining the chemical, physical, and/or biological properties is the reason why samples are tested. Through chemical examination, presence or absence of plant nutrients is established. Such nutrients include lime, potassium, humus content, nitrogen, pH level, and phosphorus. Total sulphur, organic matter, trace elements, total CaCO3 are also other components measured. Physical properties of soils include permeability, density, and capacity and these too are focus of the analysis.
The analysis process involved a number of steps, starting with the collection of samples. The samples are then taken to local cooperative extension offices for analysis. One may also take the samples to some garden centers or independent laboratories. This process usually costs cheaply at about ten dollars per sample. It takes a few days for one to receive the results back after sending a sample.
Taking a sample from the field should be done using a shovel, sampling tube, and a pint. One should dig a hole to a depth of 4 to 6 inches and collect the sample using a sampling tube. Between 5 and 6 samples should be collected around the plot. There are several ways to collect samples. One may follow two lines each on either side of the plot or move in a zigzag direction.
Any grass, thatch, or debris should be removed from the sample once the sampling is done. After that, mixing all the samples together must be done thoroughly in a plastic bucket. A single pint of soil should then be picked from the mixture of various samples. Drying of the sample should be done in the sun before it is submitted for analysis. Moisture may also be removed from samples using other techniques of air drying.
The drying is necessary since labs prefer samples when they are dry. In addition, air drying prevents further action of microorganisms that can alter the properties of the collected samples. Failure to do this may lead to arrival at erroneous results which do not reflect the exact properties of the soil from which samples were collected. The activity of microorganisms can also be stopped by freezing as this also preserves samples.
With the one pint of sample collected, one should label it correctly before sending it to the laboratory. One may use their name as the label. The sample should then be sent to the laboratory for analysis. One should expect results in a few days together with a detailed analysis.
For better yard performance or crop production, the type of fertilizer to be used in the farm should be based on results obtained. Before growing of plants or lawn, pH restoration must be done if the pH value was not at the right level. With this approach, it is more effective to grow crops and lawns as good heath is achieved and maintenance made easy.
Determining the chemical, physical, and/or biological properties is the reason why samples are tested. Through chemical examination, presence or absence of plant nutrients is established. Such nutrients include lime, potassium, humus content, nitrogen, pH level, and phosphorus. Total sulphur, organic matter, trace elements, total CaCO3 are also other components measured. Physical properties of soils include permeability, density, and capacity and these too are focus of the analysis.
The analysis process involved a number of steps, starting with the collection of samples. The samples are then taken to local cooperative extension offices for analysis. One may also take the samples to some garden centers or independent laboratories. This process usually costs cheaply at about ten dollars per sample. It takes a few days for one to receive the results back after sending a sample.
Taking a sample from the field should be done using a shovel, sampling tube, and a pint. One should dig a hole to a depth of 4 to 6 inches and collect the sample using a sampling tube. Between 5 and 6 samples should be collected around the plot. There are several ways to collect samples. One may follow two lines each on either side of the plot or move in a zigzag direction.
Any grass, thatch, or debris should be removed from the sample once the sampling is done. After that, mixing all the samples together must be done thoroughly in a plastic bucket. A single pint of soil should then be picked from the mixture of various samples. Drying of the sample should be done in the sun before it is submitted for analysis. Moisture may also be removed from samples using other techniques of air drying.
The drying is necessary since labs prefer samples when they are dry. In addition, air drying prevents further action of microorganisms that can alter the properties of the collected samples. Failure to do this may lead to arrival at erroneous results which do not reflect the exact properties of the soil from which samples were collected. The activity of microorganisms can also be stopped by freezing as this also preserves samples.
With the one pint of sample collected, one should label it correctly before sending it to the laboratory. One may use their name as the label. The sample should then be sent to the laboratory for analysis. One should expect results in a few days together with a detailed analysis.
For better yard performance or crop production, the type of fertilizer to be used in the farm should be based on results obtained. Before growing of plants or lawn, pH restoration must be done if the pH value was not at the right level. With this approach, it is more effective to grow crops and lawns as good heath is achieved and maintenance made easy.
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You can find an overview of the benefits you get when you use professional soil testing Ventura County services at http://www.advancedgeotechnical.com today.
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