03-19-2004, 03:45 AM
Michigan State University Soil Nutrient Testing Service
Saturday, April 3 through Sunday, April 25, 2004
$13.00 per sample
SOIL TESTING IS IMPORTANT FOR HEALTHY PLANTS & CLEAN WATER
A soil test is the best way to learn about the needs of your garden or lawn.
A soil test indicates nutrient levels already in your soil - a first step in
determining how much and what type of fertilizer is needed for the plants
you are trying to grow. Over-application of fertilizers can pollute water
resources, ruin plants, and waste money.
The package price includes:
pH, lime requirement, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium
(Mg), and organic matter analysis
The price also includes delivery of your soil sample from the retailer to
the soil testing laboratory at Michigan State University. Test results will
be returned in time for spring planting.
Bring your soil samples to one of the stores listed below.
Auburn Oaks Nursery - 2810 W. Auburn, Rochester Hills
Bordine Nursery - Rochester Hills & Clarkston locations
English Gardens - all metropolitan locations
Four Seasons Garden Center - 14471 Eleven Mile, Oak Park
Glenda's Garden Center -- 40575 Grand River, Novi
Goldner Walsh Nursery -- 559 Orchard Lake, Pontiac
Oxford Farm/Garden Center - 81 N. Washington, Oxford
Telly's Greenhouse & Garden Center - 3301 John R., Troy
Uncle Luke's Feed Store -6691 Livernois, Troy
For other metro area locations: [url "http://www.landscape.org"][#0000ff]www.landscape.org[/#0000ff][/url]
For soil nutrient testing throughout the year, contact Oakland County MSU
Extension: 248-858-0902.
Directions for collecting a soil sample:
1. Decide whether you want to test soil from the lawn, flower garden, or
vegetable garden. Use a spade or trowel and a clean plastic pail.
2. Collect 10 random soil samples from one type of landscape area - such as
your lawn, flower garden, or vegetable garden. Remove a slice of soil --
extending to the bottom of the plant roots (3 inches below the turn for
lawn; 7 inches deep for flowers and vegetables.) Do not include roots,
thatch, or other plant materials in the sample.
3. Each small soil sample should be about 1/2 cup. Mix the 10 samples
together in the pail.
4. Place 2 cups of the well-mixed soil in a clean plastic bag or container,
or in a purchased soil test box. Soil may be dry or damp (not soaking wet).
5. To test more than one area of your landscape, use a clean container and
repeat steps #1 through #4. LABEL ALL SAMPLES!
6. Carry soil sample(s) to one of the participating retailers. Purchase the
soil test "box" if you have not already done so.
Retailers then complete the soil testing form and "box" your soil sample for
analysis at the soil testing laboratory, Michigan State University.
Retailers, in cooperation with public agencies, deliver the soil test
"boxes" to the testing lab. Following the analysis, the soil test report
will be mailed to you.
-----------------
Why test soil for nutrients?
Since plants take up nutrients from the soil, nutrients need to be
replenished from time to time. The only way to identify the particular
nutrients needed is to test your soil.
Why test soil for organic matter?
Organic matter should comprise 5% or more of the soil by weight (5% - 10%
by volume). Because organic matter is continually "used" in a biologically
active soil system, it needs to be periodically replaced.
Compost and peat are examples of organic matter materials which improve soil
structure, retain water, encourage root penetration, and aerate soil.
Compost is particularly beneficial because it gradually releases nutrients,
supports beneficial microorganisms and earthworms, and suppresses some
soil-borne diseases.
-------------------
This program is offered by participating garden centers and hardware stores
in cooperation with the Southeastern Oakland County Water Authority &
Oakland County MSU Extension Groundwater Stewardship Program,
Public information outreach funded through a grant to SOCWA from the Rouge
River National Wet Weather Demonstration Program. For additional
information, contact SOCWA at 248-288-5150 or [url "http://www.socwa.org"][#0000ff]www.socwa.org[/#0000ff][/url].
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Saturday, April 3 through Sunday, April 25, 2004
$13.00 per sample
SOIL TESTING IS IMPORTANT FOR HEALTHY PLANTS & CLEAN WATER
A soil test is the best way to learn about the needs of your garden or lawn.
A soil test indicates nutrient levels already in your soil - a first step in
determining how much and what type of fertilizer is needed for the plants
you are trying to grow. Over-application of fertilizers can pollute water
resources, ruin plants, and waste money.
The package price includes:
pH, lime requirement, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium
(Mg), and organic matter analysis
The price also includes delivery of your soil sample from the retailer to
the soil testing laboratory at Michigan State University. Test results will
be returned in time for spring planting.
Bring your soil samples to one of the stores listed below.
Auburn Oaks Nursery - 2810 W. Auburn, Rochester Hills
Bordine Nursery - Rochester Hills & Clarkston locations
English Gardens - all metropolitan locations
Four Seasons Garden Center - 14471 Eleven Mile, Oak Park
Glenda's Garden Center -- 40575 Grand River, Novi
Goldner Walsh Nursery -- 559 Orchard Lake, Pontiac
Oxford Farm/Garden Center - 81 N. Washington, Oxford
Telly's Greenhouse & Garden Center - 3301 John R., Troy
Uncle Luke's Feed Store -6691 Livernois, Troy
For other metro area locations: [url "http://www.landscape.org"][#0000ff]www.landscape.org[/#0000ff][/url]
For soil nutrient testing throughout the year, contact Oakland County MSU
Extension: 248-858-0902.
Directions for collecting a soil sample:
1. Decide whether you want to test soil from the lawn, flower garden, or
vegetable garden. Use a spade or trowel and a clean plastic pail.
2. Collect 10 random soil samples from one type of landscape area - such as
your lawn, flower garden, or vegetable garden. Remove a slice of soil --
extending to the bottom of the plant roots (3 inches below the turn for
lawn; 7 inches deep for flowers and vegetables.) Do not include roots,
thatch, or other plant materials in the sample.
3. Each small soil sample should be about 1/2 cup. Mix the 10 samples
together in the pail.
4. Place 2 cups of the well-mixed soil in a clean plastic bag or container,
or in a purchased soil test box. Soil may be dry or damp (not soaking wet).
5. To test more than one area of your landscape, use a clean container and
repeat steps #1 through #4. LABEL ALL SAMPLES!
6. Carry soil sample(s) to one of the participating retailers. Purchase the
soil test "box" if you have not already done so.
Retailers then complete the soil testing form and "box" your soil sample for
analysis at the soil testing laboratory, Michigan State University.
Retailers, in cooperation with public agencies, deliver the soil test
"boxes" to the testing lab. Following the analysis, the soil test report
will be mailed to you.
-----------------
Why test soil for nutrients?
Since plants take up nutrients from the soil, nutrients need to be
replenished from time to time. The only way to identify the particular
nutrients needed is to test your soil.
Why test soil for organic matter?
Organic matter should comprise 5% or more of the soil by weight (5% - 10%
by volume). Because organic matter is continually "used" in a biologically
active soil system, it needs to be periodically replaced.
Compost and peat are examples of organic matter materials which improve soil
structure, retain water, encourage root penetration, and aerate soil.
Compost is particularly beneficial because it gradually releases nutrients,
supports beneficial microorganisms and earthworms, and suppresses some
soil-borne diseases.
-------------------
This program is offered by participating garden centers and hardware stores
in cooperation with the Southeastern Oakland County Water Authority &
Oakland County MSU Extension Groundwater Stewardship Program,
Public information outreach funded through a grant to SOCWA from the Rouge
River National Wet Weather Demonstration Program. For additional
information, contact SOCWA at 248-288-5150 or [url "http://www.socwa.org"][#0000ff]www.socwa.org[/#0000ff][/url].
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