Soil Analysis Tools

A soil analysis will help you determine nutrient levels, pH, organic matter, and the soil type so you can properly fertilize and address any issues necessary to create the optimum soil characteristics for your needs. Doing a soil analysis will also help you understand more about the soil you have so you can choose plants that thrive in those conditions. A few tools will be needed to obtain a sample for soil analysis and do some at-home tests as well.

Core Sampler

• A core sampler is a metal stick with handles at the top and a metal cylinder at the bottom to section out the sample. The core sampler is driven into the soil to obtain a sample that is between six and eight inches deep. A shovel or garden trowel will also get the job done, but a core sampler makes this task easy and precise. Be sure the core sampler or other tool is clean before using. To achieve an accurate analysis obtain ten samples from different areas throughout your lawn.

Bucket and Shovel

• Mix all ten of the soil samples together in a large bucket with a shovel. Be sure to break up any clumps and completely combine the samples. Be sure not to use your hands when handling the soil, as this could alter the pH level. Once the soil is completely combined, one pound can be wrapped in moist newspaper and placed in a plastic bag to send out for a soil analysis at a lab in your area.

pH Testing Kit

• A pH testing kit will measure the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, a test that can easily be done at home. To measure the pH of your soil place about a teaspoon of the soil into the pH testing kit. Be sure to leave out any rocks or roots. Add the testing powder and then add distilled water using a dropper until it has reached the fill line. Compare the color in your sample to the color scale provided with the kit. This will give you the pH of your soil, allowing you to accurately treat it or plant plants that thrive in those conditions.