Everyone praises a beautiful, lush, healthy lawn, so our first step in achieving our goal is soil testing. As part of our Southampton NY lawn fertilization and pest control program, soil testing must determine the proper nutrient program for maximum turf building. Part of PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT is based on the soil test. We like to give the lawn what it needs to prevent excess material in the environment due to run off.
HOW AND WHERE TO TEST? Samples should be taken from several areas of the lawn, especially if they vary substantially in drainage, soil type, or other characteristics. We use a special soil test probe that’s able to drive deep in the soil to get a useful sample. We like to pull at least 15-20 plugs to ensure we covered the complete area. Flower and shrubbery beds should also be tested, so the particular requirements can be met. This simple, low-cost analysis will mean a more luxurious lawn, brilliant flowers, and dense foliage.
WHY SOIL TEST? All soils are not created equally. In fact, soil is constantly changing, causing nutrients in the soil to diminish due to plant growth, leaching, and erosion. Soil testing is the best scientific method available to evaluate the nutritional status of the soil. Nutrient stresses and imbalances can reduce plant vigor, which increases the plant’s susceptibility to damage from drought, disease, insects, and other conditions. Expert testing does not just happen; it’s the result of experienced people, reliable instruments, and a host of related factors.
One of the most important things that the soil test reveals is the PH LEVEL. If the ph levels are not proper, the nutrients are locked up in the soil and not properly used by the grass, plant, trees, or shrubs. Tested also are other key
items such as cec, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, nitrogen etc. Soil testing and proper lawn care will let you fully enjoy the benefits of a beautiful, healthy lawn.