PLANT HEALTH CARE
Before and after Osmocote Plus applications . Photos courtesy of Sarah Purcell , University of Nebraska-Lincoln
SOIL TESTING A soil test is a great step before applying any products . Even simple tests will provide a baseline for a variety of macro and micronutrients , as well as organic matter , pH , cation exchange capacity and soil type . While not the be-all , end-all of diagnosing a yellow leaf / needle plant , soil testing is a good tool in the toolbox . The following guidelines help provide more accurate results than a shotgun , random approach .
When ? Same month every year . Soil temperature , use patterns and nutrient release are often tied to nutrient availability .
Where ? Match the location of the roots to the sites of the testing .
How many ? Five samples 2-6 inches deep , plus five samples 6-18 inches deep .
How ? Mix together in a plastic ( non-metal ) bucket . Total approximately equal to 2 cups soil . A common soil testing probe can be used for collecting samples . Exclude any turf , turf roots and woody plant roots from the soil to be sampled .
Ask lab . Request recommendations in pounds / 1,000 square feet .
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