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1. • CommentAuthorsussexadmin
   • CommentTimeJan 23rd 2010 edited

    
   Greener lawns, better gardens, healthy pastures...they all start with the soil! Each year tons of money and time- is invested on soil amendments and fertilizers in the hopes of improving pasture, getting greater yields from garden or field and greening up that front lawn. A lot of guess work goes into the effort and if you guess wrong- it really is "money down the drain".
   
   Soil analysis takes the guess work out of the equation, lays down a plan for success, and is reasonably priced.
   
   PLOTTING
   While you're dreaming of spring, take a walk outside and "plot" or section out your surroundings. Lawns, landscape, garden, field- the soil sustains different plants. Different plants have different nutritional needs.You're most likely to get the great results you're after by enriching the soil with the specific nutrients needed to support the plant life in the plot- in the right measure. Plotting your surroundings will help you in the next step-sample collection.
   
   SAMPLING
   Collecting soil samples is easy. Plot out an area, take samples from various points in that area, then mix them together and let them dry. Repeat sample collection for lawn, garden areas, landscape and field. Your local Extension Office can help you with any specific questions you may have AND provide you with soil sample kits. * soil analysis is recommended in the fall as well-some amendments take time to integrate and balance the PH-seek more info from the professionals
   
   ANALYSIS
   Soil analysis kits are available from a variety of sources. Private labs and university extension offices can help. Rutgers Extension Office of Sussex County can provide Sussex County residents with information, kits and analysis interpretation. Contact Steve Komar for details.
   Once you've gotten your kit and collected and prepared your samples, put them into the specially labeled lab bags and send them off. In a short time you'll receive a detailed printed analysis and recommendations for applying the right amendments for each of your sample areas. Your extension agent can then help you put together a schedule and program for any applications you'll be making.
   
   COST and BENEFIT
   
   Soil Lab analysis is "dirt cheap"- compared to the cost and results of guesswork. Lab work ranges in price and can be as little as $15.00 per sample. The information you'll receive back from the lab is "priceless"-eliminating the guess work, failed crops and wasted time- which are all very expensive in the long run. Healthy soil supports a biosphere of microbs, enzymes and creatures who in turn feed the plants that feed us! Over fertilization, under fertilization or using the wrong formula disrupts the delicate balance and causes unintended runoff pollution which impacts other ecosystems-and can actually starve the plants you're hoping to help! Diminished yield, replacement shrubs cost and the need to re seed add up.
   
   If the early warming has you thinking of spring-start "plotting" your horticultural success- and remember it all begins with the soil!
   
   For the down and dirty about soil in Sussex County, contact:
   Rutgers Extension Office: 973 948 3040
   or the Rutgers Soil Testing Lab linked here : ->link<-

   
2. • CommentAuthorsussexadmin
   • CommentTimeFeb 23rd 2010

    
   Find out more about soil analysis from the experts.
   Stop by the Master Gardeners display booth during your SPRING FEST visit and learn how soil testing leads to GARDEN SUCCESS!