Soil analysis helps make the choices for amendments and plant care.
The soil in Austin, Texas requires improvement to grow vegetable gardens and landscape plants successfully, according to Skip Richter of the National Gardening Association. The clay soil in some areas and high pH values limit the plants' ability to use soil nutrients, unless you follow soil test recommendations. Does this Spark an idea?
Significance
Plants require soil nutrients to develop root systems, leaves and fruit or vegetables. Not only must nutrients be in the soil, they must be available to the plants. Typical soil problems in Austin, Texas include restricted availability of micronutrients such as iron, manganese, zinc, copper and cobalt. Because many Austin soils contain enough potassium and phosphorous, you should select a fertilizer with only the amendments your landscape needs.
Function
Soil testing from an agricultural lab, such as Texas A&M University's Soil, Water and Forage Testing Lab, determines the quantity of soil nutrients available to plants in a sample of soil from several locations and depths (see Resources). After completing analysis, the soil testing report recommends amendments at rates of lbs. needed per 1000 square feet.
Types
Soil testing should include macronutrients, such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous, and micronutrient minerals. Test organic percentages in the soil sample to assess soil friability and nutrient-holding capability. In West Austin, test salinity; if it is too high, add organic matter to improve drainage, or use raised beds for vegetable gardening.
Tags: soil nutrients, Austin Texas, available plants, potassium phosphorous, Soil testing
