It's All About Nutrition!

Organic Gardening…Soil Testing

Soil testing for texture and structure are 2 of the important aspects of planning an organinc garden. The hand test will tell you which of the soil types you have, Sandy Loam, Medium loam, Heavy Loam. Although Soil Texture cannot be easily changed, knowing the make up of your soil will give indications on how to make the best use of what you have with cultivations and fertility management. In general heavy soils will hold onto nutrients better but will tend to water log in wet seasons. Lighter soils will be hungry well drained and will heat up quickly in spring. Both extremes will benefit from the addition of humus

Soil nutrients:,the test for NPK will inform decisions on what methods of fertility management are required and how best to plan the rotation.

pH and lime Test for acidity and recommend lime use. pH has a big influence on what nutrients are made available to the plant and on other soil fauna which are part of a healthy soil. In general terms alkaline soils are better for most vegetable crops whereas acid conditions give opportunities for ornamental plants. Rate of lime application can be calculated using the pH test results.

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