Published: December 05, 2008 10:45 am            

Chris Schneider: Test soil now to determine spring fertilization needs

Soil tests can be used to estimate the kinds and amounts of soil nutrients available to plants.

They can also be used as aids in determining fertilizer needs.

Properly conducted soil sampling and testing can be cost-effective indicators of the types and amounts of fertilizer and lime needed to improve crop yield.



Obtain sample bags

and instructions

County extension offices provide soil sample bags, sampling instructions and information sheets for mailing samples to the Soil, Water, and Forage Testing Laboratory of Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

Fill the sample bag or other suitable container with about one pint of a composite soil sample. It is important to follow the instructions for collecting and mailing samples.



Collect composite samples

The objective in sampling is to obtain composite samples of soil that represent the entire area to be fertilized or limed. This composite sample is composed of 10 to 15 cores or slices of soil from the sampling area.

Factors that affect results include sampling tools, number of subsamples, depth of sampling, and soil compaction and moisture. In fields up to 40 acres, collect at least 10 to 15 cores or slices of soil per composite sample. In small gardens and lawns, five to six cores may be adequate.

Traditionally, soil samples are collected to a depth of six inches. This sampling depth can be significantly altered based on tillage or fertilization practices.



Select the proper test

Several different soil tests are available at the Soil, Water, and Forage Testing Laboratory. These include tests for routine nutrients, micronutrients, boron, detailed salinity, lime requirement, texture and organic matter. After taking the soil sample, select the appropriate test to obtain the desired information.

Instructions for mailing are provided with the sampling instructions. The fee for each sample should be noted and payment should accompany the sample. The information sheet and payment should be attached to the sample package.

Obtaining results for routine analysis from the laboratory takes seven to 10 days, sometimes more. The time varies according to the time of year and workload of the laboratory, therefore it is important to conduct sampling early in the season.

Additional information on soil sampling and testing is available by visiting soiltesting.tamu.edu or calling the Johnson County extension office at 817-556-6370.



Chris Schneider is a county extension agent with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Johnson County specializing in agriculture and natural resources.

        

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