Boost plant growth with a simple soil test
Soil testing tips for better lawns, gardens and crops this spring
Whether you’re growing tomatoes, managing crops or striving for the perfect lawn, soil testing is key to success. A soil test identifies nutrient levels and soil fertility, ensuring your plants get exactly what they need to thrive.
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Soil testing is a fundamental step in successful plant growth, said Jake Mowrer, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service state soil fertility specialist and associate professor in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.
“Soil testing measures the nutrients and other aspects of soil fertility related to crops, pastures, lawns, gardens and ornamental plant growth,” Mowrer said. “Understanding the available nutrients and soil composition is the starting point for growing anything successfully.”
What does a soil test measure?
Soil testing reveals nutrient deficiencies and other problems that impact plant growth and crop yields.
With this information, you can choose the right fertilizers and amendments to create ideal growing conditions. It can also identify soil texture — combination of sand, silt and clay — within the sample, which relates to how the soil drains and retains moisture and nutrients.
Soil testing measures aspects vital for healthy plants, including:
- Macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium.
- Micronutrients such as zinc, iron, copper and manganese.
- pH and salt content, which both affect nutrient availability.
How soil testing helps with fertilizer and nutrient management
Soil tests can help homeowners avoid applying too little or too much fertilizer and other amendments, which can lead to poor plant growth and unnecessary expenses.
“Many homeowners and landscape service providers tend to over apply fertilizers in an effort to ensure a beautiful lawn or productive garden,” Mowrer said. “However, soil testing removes the guessing with information you can use to avoid both under- and over-application.”
Soil testing helps homeowners accurately target individual locations like garden soil, turfgrass and flower beds to best meet plant nutrient needs, he said.
When is the best time to test your soil?
Soil testing can be done any time of year. But Mowrer recommends testing well before planting season to address deficiencies before they become an issue. For example, he suggests testing in the winter or early spring to prepare the soil for warm-season planting.
“However, the timing ultimately depends on what and when you are planting,” he said. “For example, consider when plants like perennial ornamentals or turfgrass will break dormancy.”
Mowrer also said gardeners should test soil before purchasing or using fertilizers.
How to get your soil tested in Texas
- Contact your local AgriLife Extension office for sample packets and instructions. Agents can also answer questions, including which tests to select and how to collect samples.
- Find available testing types and order a test by visiting the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Soil, Water and Forage Testing Laboratory website.
- Collect and submit a soil sample according to the directions on the test order form. Results are typically returned in two weeks.
