Soil Test Saturdays

It is very important that the soil be collected properly for sampling.

To collect samples, use a hand garden trowel, shovel or spade. Mix soil or sub-samples in a clean, plastic bucket. If fertilizer or other chemicals have been used in the bucket, wash and rinse thoroughly before using it for soil sampling. Residue from fertilizer or lime can contaminate the sample and produce inaccurate results. If the lawn or garden has healthy and poor growing areas, test both areas separately. By comparing the results, the soil test may point out troubles that exist due to lack of nutrients and /or incorrect pH.

Dig down at an angle about 6 inches to make a cut, dig right behind the first cut and use this slice of soil. Take approximately 18 to 20 sub- samples within each acre. The sample should not represent an area greater than 10 acres. Mix these sub-samples together to bring in for testing. Approximately 1/2 pint is sufficient. You can bring it in a plastic baggie, or other suitable clean container.

Take notes and label your samples so you will know where they were taken.

If you have questions please contact either J. C. Rains, UT-TSU Extension Bledsoe County, 423-447-2451 or Sheldon D. Barker, UT Extension Sequatchie County, 423-949-2611.

To learn more about the Master Gardening Program visit the Sequatchie Valley Master Gardener page at https://tiny.utk.edu/svmg

Through its mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. ag.tennessee.edu