Soil Test: which optional tests should I choose?
I’m getting my soil tested for a organic berry/vegetable garden I’m starting and wanting to know which “Optional Test” I should have included. I have no idea what these are so any information you can provide will be appreciated. Here they go: Soluble Salts, Nitrate Nitrogen, Total Nitrogen (Combustion), Ammonium Nitrogen, Total Carbon, Particle Size Analysis. Are any of these important enough to include in the basic test?
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Soluble salts – i.e. cations like Ca, Mg, Na. High levels can negatively impact plant growth as plants will not be able to uptake water due to osmosis.
Nitrogen – is a major nutrient needed for plant growth. it comes in different forms. nitrate i think is the one that plants can actually uptake, the others not being readily accessible to plants.
carbon – can improve microbial activity; i think you judge this by C:N ratio
particle size analysis – the distribution of particle sizes in the soil affect drainage, texture…
If I were starting a garden, the nutrient levels (both major, i.e. N P K, and minor) and soil classification type would be the first things I’d want to know. If soluble salts were known to be a problem in my area, I would test for that, otherwise, I would be more interested in particle size.
Would be interested to know what other people think.
Wallabie’s answer is excellent. I’m not sure where you are getting your soil tested, but if it is at a State University Extension office, the agriculture agent there can tell you which tests are essential for your area. I’ve been a Master Gardener for about 20 years, and generally just get basic tests for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and pH done. Wallabie’s advice about soluble salts is right on target.
Although nutrients are important, you really need to get your pH tested. Most plants like a fairly neutral soil pH—somewhere around 6 or 7. Berries, potatoes and a few others like lower pH. Here’s one of many online articles about pH:
http://hubcap.clemson.edu/~blpprt/bobweb/BOBWEB29.HTM
University Extension Service Agents and Master Gardeners are required to provide information on both organic and traditional gardening methods. Generally their services are free or very low-cost, so I would encourage you to contact them either in person or via e-mail.
Finally, as an organic gardener you will find that compost is your best friend. The tilth of your soil is just as important as your nutrients and pH.
Best wishes for a fantastic gardening season!
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