By Sam Ingram
As we prepare for the spring season and know that planting our crops is fast approaching, we still have time to take a very important step to ensure our crop receive the nutrients it needs. That step is taking a soil sample. No matter if you are preparing to plant a garden, lawn, row crops or pastures, a soil analysis gives you knowledge of what nutrients are available to the plant and how much fertilizer you should apply.
UGA soil sample bag
Most soils across Georgia are more acidic, which is less than a pH of 7, than what most crops prefer. Most crops prefer a pH of 6.0-6.5 or better and in our area we mostly likely have soils that are lower than a pH of 6.0. So we must incorporate lime to elevate pH, but only a soil sample will give an accurate amount to apply.
The question then arises ” How do I collect the soil from my place for a soil sample?” The answer to that question in most situations is very easy, gather dirt 4-6 inches deep from random spots in the specified area and take that sample to your local Extension office. In small areas, a garden trowel make work but for larger areas a soil probe is usually recommended. And with the recent rains, our ground should be easier to dig 4-6 inches deep for that sample so the timing could not be better!
This is a very important step in the planning process of production and is not an expensive one, prices generally do not exceed $10 depending on the given county. If would like more specific information about soil sampling, never hesitate to contact your local Extension office for more details.
UGA’s Soil lab recieving soil samples from across the state.
Source:uga.edu