In the News - January 2008
Now is a good time to test soil in your yard
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. - January is an excellent time to soil sample lawns and
gardens. Sampling in the off season avoids the spring rush at the University of
Arkansas Soil Testing Laboratory.
"Soil testing also allows the homeowner plenty of time for making plans,
according to Mark Keaton, Baxter County agent with the University of Arkansas
Cooperative Extension Service.
If lime is needed to counter acidic soils, it should be applied as soon as
possible, Keaton said. This is particularly true where lime is to be surface
applied and cannot be incorporated into the soil. If lime can be soil
incorporated, it should begin to react immediately. However, it may take several
months for the lime to raise the soil pH to the desired level.
"Low pH is one of the major problems in lawns. Different lawn grasses vary in
tolerance of acid soils," Keaton said.
Zoysiagrass has more acid tolerance than most other lawn grasses. This is
factored into the lime recommendations that come back on the soil test report.
Soil testing is a good way to monitor the nutrient balance in the soil. Most
upland soils in native condition usually are acid and low in nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium. In some cases, they may be low in calcium, magnesium
or sulfur.
Occasionally, low levels of copper or manganese may occur. However, after
these same soils have been cultivated and soil amendments added, a nutrient
imbalance can occur. In some cases, a buildup of some elements such as copper or
excess salts can have toxic consequences as far as plant growth is concerned.
"A common occurrence in lawns and gardens is a buildup of phosphorus. In many
cases, this is coupled with a deficiency of potassium," Keaton said. "This
commonly is a result of the same type and amount of fertilizer being applied
year after year."
In this situation, he said, the soil test recommendation would call for a
fertilizer low in phosphorus but high in potassium.
"If soil testing is done properly and the recommendations are followed, the
end result should be more effective use of fertilizers, lime and other soil
amendments," Keaton said. "A healthier and more productive lawn or garden should
be the final result."
In collecting soil samples, make sure the sample represents the area to be
managed. Take soil with a probe or shovel from at least 15-20 different places
in each area to obtain a representative sample. A zig-zag sampling pattern is
preferred.
Fertilizer and lime recommendations are no better than the sample taken.
Sample gardens and lawns from the surface to a depth of 4-6 inches.
At each stop, place a small core or strip of soil in a clean container and
mix soil thoroughly. Discard rocks and roots. From the soil taken, pull a pint
of dry soil and place in a clean plastic bag to be sent to the lab for testing.
Your county extension office will help interpret the results when the reports
come back from the lab.
One of the best things about the university’s soil testing program is there
is no out-of-pocket cost for routine soil samples.
"Soil sample now and get ahead of the rush," Keaton advises.
For information on soil sampling or soil testing, call your county extension
office. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of
Agriculture.
January 11, 2008
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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