Magazine: Turf Manager Alert: Not all Soil Test are Created Equal!

Do you want facts .....not just fancy gimmicks and computer generated graphics?

         Do you actually know what soil testing methology your using?

         Who is actually interpreting your results?

         Do you use a NATA accredited Lab?

         Is it a computer or a qualified soil scientist?

         Is it simply a company sales tool to supply more product?

 
Soil testing may be carried out for various purposes:

 
         Identifying and quantifying any potentially limiting soil constraints such as toxicity issues.

         Monitoring of soil fertility levels; is the soil deficient in a nutrient?

         Providing guidelines as to the type and amount of fertiliser to be applied for optimum plant growth on the particular site.

         As a diagnostic tool to help identify reasons for poor plant performance.

 
"What information on the soil test report is most important and accurate for assessing soil nutrient status? The quantity of plant-available nutrients ranks at the top.
These readings are accurate, repeatable, and have the best scientific basis for making fertilizer recommendations.
The SLAN is a pragmatic method based on research conducted on a wide variety of soil and turf grass types and should be used as the basis of any fertilization plan"

(Whitlark, USGA Greens Section 2009)

 

    Overcome your infatuation with Base Satuation: BRIAN WHITLARK

     Clarifying Soil Testing: R.N. Carrow, Ph.D.; L. Stowell, Ph.D.; W. Gelernter, Ph.D.; S. Davis; R.R. Duncan, Ph.D.; and J. Skorulski, M.S.