Gardening In Kentucky Video Podcast: Soil Testing

The University of Kentucky - Gardening In Kentucky video podcasts provide homeowners with alternative or common sense ...

This article is a summary of a YouTube video "Gardening In Kentucky Video Podcast: Soil Testing" by Blossom Flower Delivery

Key insights about video Gardening In Kentucky Video Podcast: Soil Testing

🌱 Soil testing is essential for determining fertility recommendations based on pH levels and the presence of nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.

🌱 Nitrogen levels cannot be determined through soil testing as it can be easily lost through leaching or removed by plants.

🌱 When collecting soil samples, it is important to ensure that a small amount of soil accurately represents a larger area by sampling in smaller units based on soil type, cropping history, erosion, or past management practices.

🌱 Sampling during fall or spring is recommended, with fall sampling often resulting in faster results and recommendations.

🌱 Different tools such as a soil probe, auger, garden trowel, spade, and knife can be used to collect soil cores for testing.

🌱 It is important to collect representative samples from problem areas separately, especially during a growing season when troubleshooting is needed.

🌱 Soil samples should be taken at the recommended depth for each specific crop, and samples should be collected from different areas such as lawns, gardens, shrubs, flowerbeds, trees, and vegetable gardens.

Timestamped Summary

00:22 Soil testing is the basis for many fertility recommendations. A soil test reports the pH and levels of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.

01:07 It is necessary to take care to assure that the soil sample used accurately represents the area. Sample soil samples can be collected through much of the year, but fall or spring sampling are the best times.

02:08 Sampling problem areas separately can result in more accurate results, especially when troubleshooting during a growing season. Take a sample from both the poor growing area and adjacent areas of good growth.

02:20 Collect at least five to ten soil cores for each lawn or garden area, randomly throughout the area to be sampled.

03:02 For established lawns, sample the top two inches of soil. For areas to be tilled up for a new lawn, sample the top four inches of soil.

03:55 Crush the material and mix the sample thoroughly. Allow the sample to air dry in an open space free from contamination.

04:09 Soil test reports have recommendations of lime and pre-existing fertilizer combinations that make purchasing and applying easier.

04:16 pH is the most valuable information revealed through the soil test. Soil pH is an index of the amount of acidity present. For most urban landscapes, maintaining a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.0 is the best compromise.

05:12 pH can be adjusted by applying sulfur around the plants' roots.

Browse more about Gardening

SPRING GARDENING 2020 | PLANT SEEDS & FLOWERS WITH ME

I cleaned up and started my spring garden for 2020! I got new dirt, started to plant flower seeds and also planed some starts from ...

4 साल से आ रहा हूं मैं इस Gardening Event में | Silver Jubilee Indraprastha Horticulture Society

4 साल से आ रहा हूं मैं इस Gardening Event में | Silver Jubilee Indraprastha Horticulture Society Organic ...

Q&A

What does a soil test report?

A soil test report provides information about the pH and levels of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and zinc in the soil.

Does a soil test provide information about nitrogen?

No, a soil test does not provide information about nitrogen because it can be rapidly lost through leaching or removed by plants.

When is the best time to take soil test samples?

Fall (September through December) or spring (February through April) are the best times to take soil test samples.

What tools do I need to take soil test samples?

You will need a soil probe, auger, garden trowel, spade, and knife to take individual soil cores. You will also need a clean, dried bucket to collect and mix the samples.

How should I collect soil samples?

It is best to collect soil samples from a large area by sampling in smaller units based on soil type, cropping history, erosion, or past management practices. It is also recommended to sample problem areas separately.