Soil Testing and Fertilizers
Soil Test Lab Form - bring one form to the office for each soil sample to be tested.
Publications
- How To Take A Soil Test
- Fertilizing Vegetable & Fruit Gardens
- Fertilizing Trees
- Fertilizing Lawns
- Lawn Fertilizing Guide
- Guide to Turfgrass Nutrient Recommendations: Based on K-State Soil Test Results
- Acidifing Your Soil
- Nitrogen Fertilizers
- Top/Side-dressing nitrogen fertilizer
- Organic Material Resources
Videos
A soil test should be taken prior to planting, then every 3 years if adjustments are recommended from first test. When no adjustments are needed, test every 5 years to monitor nutrient levels.
Soil tests detect shortages of major plant nutrients which affect growth and development of plants. The test doesn't identify or measure insects, soil borne diseases, pesticide residues, or other contaminants. Competition with trees and other plants is often a factor for plant growth which a soil test doesn't address.