Are you planning to have your soil tested this spring? After March 30, the peak season fee for soil testing will not be applied. That’s right–you can have your soil tested for free!
Do you need more reasons to bring those samples in for testing? Here’s a list, courtesy of the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:
SOIL TESTING |
| What is a Soil Test? |
| A soil test is a process by which elements (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, manganese, copper and zinc) are chemically removed from the soil and measured for their “plant available” content within the sample. The quantity of available nutrients in the sample determines the amount of fertilizer that is recommended. A soil test also measures soil pH, humic matter and exchangeable acidity. These analyses indicate whether lime is needed and, if so, how much to apply. |
| Why Do You Need A Soil Test? |
| Encourages plant growth by providing the best lime and fertilizer recommendations. When growers guess about the need for lime or fertilizers, too little or too much is likely to be applied. By using a soil test report, the grower does not need to guess.For Example: When applying too much lime, soil pH may rise above the needed level, which causes nutrients such as iron, manganese, boron, copper and zinc to become less available to plants.It is also common to see homeowners purchase one bag of lime when they purchase one bag of fertilizer. Based on an average lawn size of 5000 square feet, one bag of fertilizer may be enough. Applying one bag of lime over 5000 square feet, however, will have little effect on soil pH. Diagnoses whether there is too little or too much of a nutrient. Promotes environmental quality. |
Soil test kits are available at the Durham County Cooperative Extension Office, 721 Foster Street. It’s easy, it’s free from April through November, it may save you money on fertilizer, it’s good for the environment AND your plants.
-Ann Barnes
Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Durham County 
How can I test my soil since your office is closed?
Search our blog for post titled: Soil Testing Resumes . It was posted in May. Supplies and instructions are available in a box behind the office building at 721 Foster. You will need to drive the samples to the soils lab in Raleigh yourself. The address is in the post. If you have additional questions, please call the office at 919-560-0528. The office may be closed but staff and volunteers are responding to calls remotely.
Hello can you please tell how to get rid of poison oak and sumac I want to make a garden
Please contact our office (919-560-0528) and your question will be assigned to a master gardener to research and answer. Alternatively, you may send your questions via email: durhammastergardener@gmail.com. Thanks for following our blog!
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