Why Test Your Soil?

A reputable soil test for fertility and pH is recommended for new lawn or garden sites. The U of M soil testing lab in St. Paul provides uniform results and fertilizer recommendations for $15. N-P-K (nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium) formulations in fertilizers vary greatly. Local soils (typically high in phosphorous) can prevent other nutrients from becoming available to plants. Nitrogen (volatile) is determined by the organic content.

Minnesota regulates phosphorous/phosphates for protection of our watersheds.

The lab’s recommendations provide for optimum plant growth without harmful effects on the environment. Diagnosis of problems is impossible without reliable soil test results. Kits, test forms, and expertise are available from the Extension office.