Importance of Soil Testing Equipment in a Soil Testing Practice

Soil testing is a process that seeks to chemically remove elements (eg, potassium, calcium, phosphorous, sodium, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, and sulfur) from the soil. The amount of nutrients in the soil samples helps recommend the amount of fertilizer needed. Soil testing laboratory equipment seeks to measure humus matter, soil pH, and exchangeable acidity. Analyzes indicate if lime is needed. If lime is required, analysis will recommend the amount to apply.

laboratory equipment

Experts recommend superior quality soil test lab equipment for testing soil. There are many manufacturers of soil test equipment available throughout the world. Therefore, knowing where to find a leading supplier and exporter to buy from can be of great help. Reliable equipment can be used to examine soil, plants, manure and irrigation water. Experts trust these devices for accurate soil testing, plant analysis, and water quality assessment. The equipment used, area sampled; the correct sample depth and mix will provide information and influence a decision.

a good sample

A soil test must be done at the right time and in the right way. It is advisable to take a sample several months before undertaking any new landscaping (ie, before laying a lawn, planting a bed, planting a vegetable garden, or planting perennials). In case soil tests recommend lime, you may have adequate time to apply it. , in turn adjusting the pH levels of the soil, before planting.

In established areas, such as shrubs, trees, grass, and other perennials, testing can be done after 3-4 years. While any time is a good time to take your samples, mid-August to mid-September offers a good time to take soil samples for cool-season grasses such as ryegrass, bluegrass, and fescue. When sampling is done during this period, the lime can be applied in the fall. In areas that have been recently fertilized or limed, sampling can be delayed by at least 6-8 weeks.

Separate sample areas

Each unique area must be sampled separately. For each unique area (eg, perennial landscaped area, orchard, or lawn) at least 6-8 subsamples should be combined to form a sample. Also, if a single area has both healthy and unhealthy areas, sample these areas separately. It is recommended to use clean soil sampling equipment.

Use a clean hand trowel, soil probe, shovel, or shovel to collect samples. Avoid using galvanized, bronze, or brass tools because they can contaminate soil samples with zinc and/or copper. Also, the sample should be mixed in a clean plastic bucket. If the bucket contained any chemicals or fertilizers, it should be thoroughly washed before being used for soil sampling.