The Importance of Soil pH
A beautiful lawn is something that most homeowners aspire to have, but not everyone understands the importance of maintaining soil health. Soil health is critical to having a flourishing and green lawn. The health of the soil is determined by its chemical composition and overall well-being and plays a vital role in the success and health of any turf variety that grows within it. The soil’s health is usually determined by testing its pH, potassium, phosphorus, lime, calcium, and nitrogen levels.
Annual Soil Testing
Testing your soil’s pH level is a quick and straightforward process. Many experts advise testing your soil’s pH level once a year because the acidity can change over time. As the turfgrass is in the dormant phase, testing the soil during the winter season is preferred by many homeowners. Identifying the deficiency early in the growing cycle can provide enough time to correct the issue. The following are some ways to conduct soil testing:
Handheld Test
If you need to take soil measurements in large lawns, handheld devices are ideal. These devices read the pH level of the soil when the unit’s prongs are inserted into the ground. They are user-friendly and can be used continuously for years. However, the convenience provided by these handheld devices has a disadvantage: their accuracy is relatively lower than that of other testing options.
At-Home Chemical Tests
Many retailers sell at-home testing kits that homeowners can purchase from local hardware stores or online marketplaces. These testing kits enable homeowners to test the pH, potassium, and phosphorus levels in three to five areas. Soil samples are mixed with the included solutions, and reagents react with different chemicals in the soil. Typically, a color change occurs after the reaction takes place. Users can then determine the output using the color-coded rubric included in the kit. Some at-home tests even offer the ability to test for more than just the soil’s pH. Nevertheless, if the issue is more complex, additional analysis may be required.
Mail-In / Commercial Tests
If homeowners require an in-depth analysis of their lawn’s complete chemical makeup, they will need to send soil samples to a professional laboratory. Soil samples can be analyzed by either a private company or a university agricultural extension. Agricultural extension offices offered by most state universities help homeowners with agricultural issues, including soil analysis.
Testing your soil’s pH and chemical composition is straightforward and critical. Soil tests should be conducted annually to track any changes that may occur over time and develop a plan to correct any deficiencies. The soil’s health is a critical factor that homeowners must not overlook as it is a building block to maintaining a healthy lawn with lush green grass.