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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
The Iowa Gardener: Don’t wait: Test your soil
I have tended my Iowa garden for nearly 40 years now, but it was a persistent problem with my backyard lawn that made me breakdown and finally do what all the garden experts recommend as a first step when creating a garden in the first place — testing the soil.
Grass on half the backyard had struggled for years and I tried everything — soil amendment, reseeding, laying sod, reseeding again, watering more, watering less. Finally, when I sent photos to Iowa State University turf grass extension, they suggested testing the soil.
And — surprise! — the soil had a fairly high salt content. No wonder my lawn was struggling. Most turf grasses struggle in highly saline soil, but some varieties will tolerate it fairly well. Planting those salt-resistant varieties and taking some other measures to reduce my salt problem is putting me on my way to better, thicker, stronger turf.
Testing the soil was so easy to do, too. ISU no longer tests garden soils but the University of Minnesota Soil Testing and Research Analytical Laboratory does (soiltest.cfans.umn.edu). It took less than 30 minutes to dig up some soil with a trowel, enclose payment for $20, and mail it.
I received a detailed soil analysis. Everything was within good ranges for most garden plants, except, of course, the saline levels. I shared the details with my lawn service so we can work together and reduce fertilizers (which can build up salts) and get those saline levels down. I wish I'd done this 20 years ago, when I first started having problems.
Different tests measure different soil components. The University of Minnesota offers a variety, so choose the one that makes sense for your garden and your concerns.
Generally, a comprehensive soil test provides several key pieces of information:
- pH level: The pH level of soil affects nutrient availability to plants. Most plants prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0 to 7.0). Adjusting pH can be crucial for certain plants that have specific pH preferences.
- Nutrient levels: Essential nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and others are analyzed. These nutrients are vital for plant growth, and their availability in the soil directly impacts plant health.
- Organic matter content: Organic matter improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. Knowing your soil's organic matter content helps in making decisions about soil amendments and compost applications.
- Texture and composition: Soil texture (sand, silt, clay) affects drainage and nutrient retention. Understanding your soil's texture can guide irrigation practices and help in choosing appropriate plants for your soil type.
By understanding your soil's unique characteristics, you can create an environment where your plants can thrive, ensuring a bountiful harvest and a beautiful garden year after year. Don't endure years of problems before finding out this important piece of fundamental information about your yard.
Veronica Lorson Fowler is co-publisher of the Iowa Gardener website at www.theiowagardener.com.
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