Conducting a Proper Electronic Soil Test!

Hey Everyone,

Mike has been so kind to provide an Electronic Soil Testing Meter to assist us in keeping an eye on our pH and fertility.  The photo below shows our first inclination to conduct the test.  Take the probe and stick it in the dirt!  Unfortunately, using the method shown in the photo will not always provide the most accurate results.  To obtain the best reading possible when conducting a soil test make sure all equipment is clean.  Directions are below for your convenience.

This method will often provide mixed results!

Materials Required:

• Small container for mixing that is able to hold at least 4 -5 cups of soil
• A qt. or slightly larger size container that is narrow and deep.  The container must be watertight. Something about the size of a small plastic coffee can works well. 
• Shovel
• Stirring utensil
• Either rain or distilled water
• Polishing cloth and electronic soil tester - the polishing cloth is the small green felt looking pad in the shed by the tester.

Procedure:

• Gather 1/4 cup of soil from several different parts of your garden bed paying close attention to gathering from about 6" deep.  It is also wise to omit taking a sample from any areas that look off in color.  The final quantity needed is approximately 4 - 5 cups.  
• Remove any large pieces of things such as pebbles or sticks.
• Remove any earthworms to prevent drowning.
• Mix all samples until well blended.
• Placed mixed soil into a clean watertight container.  Add enough distilled or rainwater to fill to the same height as the soil.  Stir with a clean utensil and allow the soil to become thoroughly saturated for about 15 minutes.  
• Once the soil is thoroughly saturated, pour off the excess water.
• Make sure probes are clean and free of debris.  Polish if necessary.
• Insert probes into the muddy water and slide the selector switch to the desired test.  Wait two - three minutes for the most accurate reading. 
• Clean meter, remember to turn it off, and return to shed.
• Make adjustments to bring your soil back into balance.   

Green Meadows Healthy Garden Tip:

Electronic soil testing meters are a wonderful option for keeping an eye on things and providing a ballpark of where your soil stands.  The downside to these meters is they are only able to test pH and give a general overview of nutrient availability.  

The Burpee meter has a scale function of 16 nutrients required for optimal plant growth.  However, it is not able to express how much of which element is deficient or in excess. 

Adding elements to the soil that are already in excess can do more harm than good not only to the soil, but to the plants as well.  While these meters are an excellent tool in our chest for keeping the garden healthy and productive, nothing replaces periodic soil testing by the Extension Service for more accurate lab based results as well as a total soil picture.  

The link below takes you to the Burpee site that has information on the Electronic Soil Tester as well as their recommendations for what to add based on your results.  There is also a wealth of many sustainable organic options for adjusting the pH level as well as nutrients in many of the garden references.

http://www.burpee.com/gygg/content.jsp?contentId=sunandsoil - link to Burpee's information and recommendations based on results.

Happy Gardening,

Denise, Beds 25 & 29

Should I Test My Soil?

Hey Everyone,

We have often heard that the secret to growing great vegetables starts with the soil.  Having the proper nutrients readily available and a pH in balance so plants can attain them is imperative for a healthy and productive garden.  The pH range for most vegetables to thrive is between 6.0 and 7.0, although they will tolerate a range from 5.0 to 7.5.  This pH range is also favorable for earthworms, microbes, and soil organisms to flourish.

Soil Sample Bags are available
 in the shed
for your convenience!

Soil tests can save you time and money, as they are an excellent tool for identifying deficits as well as extremes in your soil.  They also provide a snapshot of the overall balance of nutrient levels enabling you to add only what your soil really needs.  For healthy plants to thrive there are 16 essential elements required.  Over a dozen of these are in the form of macro and micronutrients coming primarily from the soil.  If shortages or excesses are present or a pH is out of balance preventing plants from getting the nutrients they need, problems can and will occur.  Plants are much more likely to develop disease and nutritional deficiencies since they lack what is necessary for proper growth and development.  Yield and vigor will also undoubtedly be less.   

Many often ask how often and when should soil be tested. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture as well as many extension offices across the U.S., these are some general guidelines as a rule of thumb for vegetable gardeners.

• Test before gardening in any new area.  The results of a soil test are invaluable for providing an accurate baseline to identify any potential problems that need addressed. 
• Conventional home gardeners - usually every couple of years is sufficient for keeping soils in prime condition unless you are experiencing difficulties.  If you have done a soil test requiring a correction in soil fertility, special elements, and/or pH, it is also wise to retest the following year to make sure the problem is rectified.  As a special note - UGA as well as a few others do recommend testing vegetable gardens on an annual basis for optimum production and soil health.
• Test any time you suspect a nutrient or pH problem.
• Test any time you plan to make a major change in what you are growing in that particular area.  An example would be if you are growing vegetables and want to make a change to blueberries, raspberries, etc.  These have different pH and fertilization requirements.
• Test at the same time of the year to maintain a comparative analysis of where your soil stands.  

For those who are interested in having a lab based soil test, the link below is for your convenience.  I have also placed a link with the fee schedules for the different types of tests that the extension service currently offers.  If you scroll down to page 12 and beyond the prices for the individual tests are listed. Basic routine tests are as low as $6.00 and more often than not pay for themselves since you are only adding what your soil really needs.

http://aesl.ces.uga.edu/ - link to the Agricultural & Environmental Services Laboratories home page with soil testing information and links.

http://aesl.ces.uga.edu/FeeSchedule.pdf - link to the fee schedule for soil testing at UGA's Extension Service.  Scroll down to page 12 and beyond.

Happy Gardening,

Denise, Beds 25 & 29