Kathy Egan
news@greenepublishing.com
Discovering what is in your soil can make a big difference in whether or not your crops produce to their full capacity, your herd is healthy or even whether your hydrangeas burst forth in vibrant purple or sweet pink blooms.
Our local UF/IFAS, or “ag office,” can help get your soil tested. When you take a soil sample to the office, the staff sends it to be professionally tested through the University of Florida testing lab. The process is straightforward:
• Get a sample bag from UF/IFAS.
• Gather a few samples from various locations and mix them together in a bucket.
• Fill the sample bag provided by UF/IFAS.
• Seal the bag and take it back to the office on Washington Street.
A standard soil test often determines the amount of lime and the presence of micronutrients such as magnesium or sodium in the soil, and it is also common to test for the pH level. Although these are common tests, there are a multitude of other options available, and it really depends on what you are looking for. To learn more about the UF soil lab, visit their website at https://soilslab.ifas.ufl.edu/.