Why Should I Soil Test?

            Regular testing helps develop and maintain more productive soils for farming, gardening, and landscaping. Soil tests indicate whether plant nutrients are deficient and, if so, what amounts are needed for optimum growth. Soil testing is also a useful diagnostic tool to identify problems related to excessive levels of nutrients and salts, high pH, low organic matter, and poor drainage. When properly interpreted, soil tests increase profits in agricultural production systems and promote more favorable conditions for productive and esthetically pleasing gardens and landscapes.

 

When Do I Sample?

            The best windows of opportunity for soil sampling are early spring and late fall. Field, garden, and landscape activities are limited during these periods, and samples can be collected and analyzed in time for fall or spring fertilization. Fall testing has the advantage of allowing the application and incorporation of fertilizers with fall tillage or winter precipitation. Spring testing, however, often provides a better indication of nutrient (especially nitrogen) availability immediately prior to plant growth. Regardless of when samples are collected, allow a minimum of two to three weeks for analyses, fertilizer purchase and application, and any other corrective measures to be taken before planting. Soil sampling can also be done during the growing season to aid in diagnosing plant growth problems. Landowners who observe a problem may want to sample the soil while symptoms are present to diagnose the problem and take corrective action during the current growing season. Plant tissue sampling and analysis can also be used to diagnose problems.

            Specific plant parts and collection and handling procedures are required for accurate tissue testing.

 

How Often Do I Soil Test?

            For perennial plants such as turf, trees, alfalfa, and pasture, soil should be tested prior to planting and once every two to three years. Soil testing prior to establishing perennials is particularly important since it provides an opportunity to incorporate immobile nutrients into the root zone before planting, and to diagnose and correct soil problems before the investment in planting is made. For annuals such as corn, small grains, and gardens, soil should be tested once every two years. Generally, as the intensity of management increases so should the frequency of soil testing. Highly productive growers making frequent fertilizer, manure, or other soil amendment applications should test more frequently to monitor changing soil conditions and prevent the build-up of excess levels of nutrients or salts. Growers should keep soil test records for all areas sampled, as well as fertilizer application and plant yield and quality information. This allows growers to relate yield and plant performance to soil test results and fertilization practices. Information in this form is "site specific." Since soils and grower management practices vary widely, knowing what soil test values correspond with optimum plant performance on a site allows the grower to customize a soil management program for individual production systems. Contact the Extension office for instructions on how to get a soil test kit or call the USU Analytical Lab directly at 435-797-2217.

 

Water-Wise Plants for Utah Landscapes

            The Utah Division of Water Resources has developed a website to assist Utahns in identifying water-wise plants for our region. The website includes a list of ornamental trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, ornamental grasses and ground covers.

            A description as well as pictures are provided, along with soil requirements, necessary sun exposure, water requirements as well as hardiness. As you add plants to your landscaping, this website is extremely valuable: www.waterwiseplants.utah.gov