Soil Testing

Soil testing can provide useful information on the proper amount of lime and fertilizer needed for lawns and gardens, etc... Soil testing can also diagnose nutrient deficiencies or toxicities for poorly growing plants.

It is very important that the soil be collected properly for sampling.

To collect samples use a soil probe, hand garden trowel, shovel or spade. Mix soil or sub-samples in a clean, plastic bucket. If fertilizer and/or other chemicals have been used in the bucket, wash and rinse thoroughly before using it for soil sampling. Residue from fertilizer or lime can contaminate the sample and produce inaccurate results.

Areas to avoid testing are small areas where soil is obviously different from the rest of the landscape such as, low lying wet areas, yard or landscape borders, ditches, severely eroded areas and fence rows.

If the lawn has healthy and poor growing areas, soil test both areas separately. By comparing the results, the soil test may point out troubles that exist due to lack of nutrients and /or incorrect pH.

Dig down, at an angle, about 6 inches dig right behind the first cut and use the slice of soil, as in the example. Take approximately 15 to 20 sub- samples within each acre. Mix these sub-samples together and bring to the soil lab approximately 1/2 pint. You can bring it in a plastic baggie(and transfer it into the box) or you can stop by the Extension Office and pick up a soil test kit which consists of an information sheet and a soil sample box. Fill out the information sheet as complete and accurately as possible. Fill the box with loose soil and label it with your name, and sample identifier. Choose a unique identifier that will help you remember the area it corresponds to. Such as GARDN, FLAWN,BLAWN, ROSE. Bring it to your local Extension Office, 4215 Long Lane, Ste. 200, Franklin, TN 37604.

The fees for soil testing start at $6.00 for a basic test. Providing which different factors you are looking for there will be additional fees.

You should receive your results in approximately 7 to 10 days depending on what time of the year it is (early spring is when everybody tests soil) therefore, the soil lab becomes over loaded which results in a longer turn around for patrons.

For more information contact University of Tennessee Extension at (615) 790-5721. Useful information can also be found at University of Tennessee's Soil Testing Lab.