What is a Soil Analysis?

A Soil Analysis is a sample of soil that is taken from your yard and processed to show which elements (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, manganese, copper and zinc) are available to your grass. The quantity of available nutrients in the sample determines the amount of fertilizer that you need. A Soil Analysis also measures soil pH, how acidic your soil is, which helps to determine how much lime you may need.

Why Do I Need A Soil Analysis?

Soil Analysis should be done on a regular basis to ensure that you or your lawn care professionals are meeting all of your lawn’s needs. Applying the proper rate of fertilizer and lime will go a long way towards a healthy happy lawn.

When should I get my Soil Analyzed?

A Soil Analysis can be done at any time of year. Unfortunately, most people wait until they are seeing a problem before they get the test done. Think of a Soil Analysis as a nutrient screening. It will show you what you need to do before there is damage to your lawn. If you haven’t had a soil analysis in the past two years it would be a good idea to schedule one. Your lawn care professional should be able to handle that for you for a small fee, or you can do it yourself. Contact your local extension office for more information.

Suggestions by North Carolina Department of Agriculture