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pH is electronically measured, and
recommendations made on how to adjust if necessary, to suit the type of
plants that you wish to grow. This result is the most important of the soil tests. The soil pH is the master variable controlling plant nutrient solubility, and thus availability of those nutrients to the plants. Desirable characteristics of some plants depend on soil pH levels. |
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Nitrogen,
often called ‘the leaf maker’ helps form amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. The amount
of nitrogen in the soil will vary greatly from year to year, and during the
growing season. This nutrient, in the nitrate form is very mobile in soils,
and is easily leached from free draining soils. The nitrogen test gives an
assessment of total nitrogen/nitrate levels in your soil. |
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Phosphorus,
(in the form of phosphates), is particularly important for healthy root
growth, as well as playing an important part in the germination of seeds, the
metabolism of seedlings and the ripening of fruit. Plants that are most in need of this nutrient include young plants, root vegetables and fruit and seed crops. Shortage is most likely to occur on sandy soils. |
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Potassium is
necessary for good fruit, flower development, and like phosphorus in root
development. Potassium also appears to promote disease resistance. Although this element may be deficient in clay soils, if plants grown are heavy potash feeders, (e.g. tomatoes, potatoes, beans and fruit crops) it is more likely to be deficient in light sandy, peat or chalk soils. |
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Magnesium is the central atom of the chlorophyll molecule, which makes
it absolutely necessary for photosynthesis. The element is easily leached from the soil, and deficiency may be a problem in sandy, peaty or potash (potassium) rich soils. Roses and tomatoes are particularly prone. |
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Soil
conductivity is a measure of soluble salt concentrations in the soil. There
is a potential for problems to occur, such as reduced water availability or
toxicity of specific ions such as chloride or bicarbonate due to a build up
of these salts. High concentrations usually occur from over zealous
application of fertilisers, or in protected plant cultivation, i.e.
polytunnel or greenhouse. Soil conductivity is measured electronically, and if a problem is identified, remedial action is recommended. |
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This variable
is the measurement of the total organic matter content of your soil sample;
the results are expressed as a percentage, information on how to improve the
soil if necessary, along with facts on soil conditioning are supplied. |
The
soil tests are offered in two basic packages to gardeners.
Standard Analysis:
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pH
test, tests for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A complete assessment of
soil composition, structure, texture etc. with details included of how to
improve fertility |
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Exhibition Analysis:
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All
of the above tests, plus test for magnesium levels and soil conductivity.
A complete assessment of soil composition, structure, texture etc. with
details included of how to improve fertility. Other tests are available to
client’s requirements; refer to other
services available page |
A price list of
current soil analysis fees can be obtained by clicking this link 
<back to Analytical Services
Available>
HOW TO COLLECT AND SUBMIT SOIL
SAMPLES 
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The value of soil test results is only as good as the sample
analysed. The results have far more meaning if you collect a representative
sample of soil from the rooting zone. The first step in quality soil testing
is to identify areas of like management, i.e. it would be counterproductive
to combine soil samples from lawns, flowerbeds or exhibition trenches or
beds, in one large sample. Each area should be sampled separately. You must
confine your sampling to an area that has not been fertilised or manured for
at least three months. |
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Follow these
easy steps to obtain a good representative soil sample!!
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Clear any debris from the soil surface, e.g.
mulching material, this could distort the analysis results.
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Remove any stones, weeds, or other course
material from the pile of soil that you have collected. If the soil is very
wet, let it dry out first, (DO NOT
USE HEAT). Refrain from touching the soil with your hands. |
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When the soil is dry and you have removed all of the debris, place the soil into a clean plastic bucket, and mix very thoroughly. If the soil is in
large lumps, crush these to a small crumb sized
texture. |
<back to how to collect samples>
SUBMITTING THE
SAMPLES TO HORTIBOTANIC 
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Weigh out approximately 150grms
(5ozs) of dry soil for the Standard Analysis,
slightly more, 210grms (7ozs) for the Exhibition
Analysis and place the required amount in a clean plastic bag. Label the
sample, (very important if you send more than one sample), with your name and
location, e.g. trench1 or West bed, something that makes sense
to you. It doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else. Fill in a questionnaire (“About your
garden”) form for each sample, this information is very important to us, It
will enable us to give specific advice on soil treatment etc. for the plants
that you want to grow or are growing, otherwise no recommendations can be
given. A copy of this
questionnaire form can be downloaded from this web site, or are available
from our laboratory
address. |
