When and Why do I Need a Soil Test?

Soil testing can provide a wealth of information regarding what is going on below the lawn a reason your campus and the sports turf on your fields. Therefore it is important to plan soil testing into your annual planning and assessments. Soil testing helps to document existing conditions in your soils. In addition, it also allows you to measure or assess the impact of treatments and cultural practices that you are implementing into your annual program.

When constructing a new field, it is imperative to conduct a soil test. It is crucial to complete this test prior to beginning the project to determine the soil makeup that will support the field. The soil analysis will provide information regarding the quality of the topsoil, drainage characteristics ofthe area, compaction, and whether the site has been disturbed. By gaining this information, you will then be aware of what treatments and actions will be necessary to better prepare the soil and ensure that it will enable your new field to thrive.

If you are considering undertaking a field renovation project, you should also consider performing soil analysis testing. You should look into tests to determine the nutrient composition of your field. It is also advisable to analyze the root zone through a soil textural analysis and an organic matter test. This information will help you determine how to continueto maintain your field.

If you are experiencing issues with a particular field or lawn area, it would be a logical solution to perform soil testing to determine where your issues lie andhow to best go about correcting them. It is recommended to perform a tissue test to understand how well your fertility program is working. A soil diagnosis test can also be beneficial in uncovering what your soil problems are and how you can fix them. Soil testing is a reliable method to both correct existing field problems and to ensure that newfield construction/renovation efforts are not futile. Understanding what is going on below the turf is the only way to ensure a superior playing field and exceptional turf on your property.