Laboratory Soil Analysis

DIRECTIONS FOR TAKING SOIL SAMPLES & FILLING IN TRANSMITTAL FORM

STEP 1:

Fill in top part of the transmittal form.

STEP 2:

Use soil probe or trowel to obtain soil samples to the maximum depth possible. The depth indicates how loose the soil is. The deeper the soil sample the better it is for the turf or other plant materials.

STEP 3:

Twist probe and pull out of ground. Measure from surface line to bottom of probe, the bottom of area "C" on the photo. If using a trowel or shovel, attempt to create a flat surface that is perpendiculat, removing the loose dirt out of the way so that it can be seen more from the side and to enable an accurate measure of the depth. Fill in "Average Coring Depth" with this figure.

STEP 4:

Push plug up from bottom of probe. Carefully fleck away soil until you expose beginning of roots. Sometimes, the roots are visible at the bottom of the probe. Measure from surface to end of root system. If using a trowel or shovel, measure the depth of the roots, similar to using the probe, by scratching some dirt away to determine the deepest part of the roots, from top of soil to bottom of "B" on photo. Fill in "Main Root Development" with this figure.

STEP 5:

Measure the depth of thatch. That's the peat-like or corky material from the grass line to beginning of soil surface, area "A" on the photo. Fill in "Thatch Layer Depth" with this figure.
STEP 6: Remove soil from probe (or trowel), discard thatch and grass, put soil in sample bag. You will need to repeat Steps 1,2, & 5 till there is 1/2 to 1 cup of soil in the bag (Zip Lock).
IMPORTANT - Take samples from an open area of lawn. Do not take from area between curb and sidewalk or between driveway ribbons. Avoid water runoff areas, like the base of a slope or a drain spout runoff area. Do not use soil where a tree or shrub was recently removed. Take from at least 6 different locations.
STEP 7: Fill in the "Regular Cutting Height" at which you cut your lawn.
STEP 8: Fill in "Type of Grasses" in your lawn if known (not a critical).
STEP 9: Measure the turf area you want to improve.
STEP 10: Check off watering method you use.
STEP 11: Check off correct lawn life stage. "Developing" means lawn was established within the last two years. "Renovation" means lawn was established but needed extensive seeding last season which was done. "New-seeded" - self explanatory. "New Sod" - self explanatory. If any other condition exists, note in blank area.
STEP 12: Date sample taken and last time lawn or garden was limed.

BE SURE TO FILL IN YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND PHONE NUMBER!