The analysis will also come with a basic interpretation of results and provide recommendations for fertilizing. A basic soil test from the University of Minnesota’s Soil Testing Laboratory will give a soil texture estimate, organic matter content (used to estimate nitrogen availability), phosphorus, potassium, pH and lime requirement. The best method for assessing nutrient availability in your garden is to do a soil test. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the nutrients most likely to be deficient and should be supplemented with fertilizers for optimum plant growth. In general, most Minnesota soils have enough calcium, magnesium, sulfur and micronutrients to support healthy plant growth. Soil pH can be modified using materials like lime (ground limestone) to raise pH or elemental sulfur to lower pH.
There are some exceptions blueberries, for example, require a low pH (4.2-5.2). Most fruits and vegetables grow best when soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral, or between 5.5 and 7.0. When pH is too low or too high, chemical reactions can alter the nutrient availability and biological activity in soils. Soil pH is the degree of alkalinity or acidity of soils. Sandy soils in Minnesota are also more prone to nutrient losses through leaching, as water carries nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium or sulfur below the root zone where plants can no longer access them. Soils that are finer-textured (more clay) and higher in organic matter (5-10%) have greater nutrient-holding ability than sandy soils with little or no clay or organic matter. TextureĬlay particles and organic matter in soils are chemically reactive and will hold and slowly release nutrient ions that can be used by plants. Nutrient availability in soils is a function of several factors including soil texture (loam, loamy sand, silt loam), organic matter content and pH. Micronutrients such as iron and copper are necessary in much smaller amounts.
Secondary macronutrients include sulfur, calcium, and magnesium.Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are needed in larger amounts than other nutrients they are considered primary macronutrients.The remaining 14 are obtained from soil but may need to be supplemented with fertilizers or organic materials such as compost. There are 17 essential nutrients that all plants need, including carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, which plants get from air and water. Like us, plants need nutrients in varying amounts for healthy growth. 17 essential nutrients needed for normal plant growth
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