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Michigan State University Extension Soil Nutrient Testing Service
Offered by participating garden centers in cooperation with MSU Extension-Oakland County, Southeastern Oakland County Water Authority (SOCWA), & the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program
Saturday, April 5, 2008 through Sunday, April 27, 2008
$15.00 per sample – includes organic matter test
Bring your soil samples to one of the stores listed below.
For soil testing throughout the year, contact MSU Extension- Oakland County: 248-858-0887
The package price includes:
pH, lime requirement, phosphorus (P); potassium (K); calcium (Ca); magnesium (Mg.)
Plus organic matter analysis.
The price also includes delivery of your soil sample from the drop-off locations to the soil test lab at Michigan State University. Your personalized recommendations will be mailed directly to you.
SOIL TESTING IS IMPORTANT FOR HEALTHY PLANTS & CLEAN WATER
A soil test is the 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. |
Where to Purchase Soil Test Kits in Oakland County
ACO Hardware – All locations, www.acohardware.com
Auburn Oaks Nursery – 2810 W. Auburn, Rochester Hills, 248-852-2310
Bordine Nursery – 1835 S. Rochester Rd., Rochester Hills, 248-651-9000
Bordine Nursery – 8600 Dixie Hwy., Clarkston, 248-625-9100
Eagle Landscaping & Supply – 20779 Lahser, Southfield, 248-356-4342
English Gardens – 4901 Coolidge, Royal Oak, 248-280-9500
English Gardens – 6370 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, 248-851-7506
Four Seasons Garden Center – 14471 Eleven Mile, Oak Park, 248-543-4400
Garden Central – 2682 Twelve Mile Rd., Berkley, 248-542-6640
Glenda’s Garden Center – 40575 Grand River, Novi, 248-471-4794
Goldner Walsh Nursery – 559 Orchard Lake, Pontiac, 248-332-6430
Jacobsen’s Garden Town – 545 S. Broadway, Lake Orion, 248-693-8383
MSU Extension Oakland County – 1200 N. Telegraph, Pontiac, 248-858-0887
Oxford Farm/Garden Center – 81 N. Washington, Oxford, 248-628-2174
Shades of Green – 496 Avon Rd., Rochester Hills, 248-651-1620
Smith & Hawken – 284 W Maple Rd., Birmingham, 248-593-6010
Steinkopf Nursery – 20815 Farmington Rd., Farmington Hills, 248-474-2925
Telly’s Greenhouse & Garden Center – 3301 John R., Troy, 248-689-8735
Uncle Luke’s Feed Store – 6691 Livernois, Troy, 248-879-9147
Wojo’s Greenhouse – 2570 Oakwood Rd., Ortonville, 248-627-6498
DON’T GUESS…SOIL TEST!
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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 deep 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 1 cup of the well-mixed soil into a soil test box. If the soil is wet, use a plastic bag and then place the plastic bag inside the soil test box. Do not place more than one sample in each box.
5. Do not place more than one soil sample in each box. If necessary, purchase additional
boxes. If you have multiple samples, remember to label all samples.
6. Carry soil sample(s) to one of the participating retailers or the Oakland County MSU
Extension office in Pontiac. 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. Public agencies transport the soil test boxes from
the retail locations to the MSU soil nutrient testing laboratory.
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.
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 www.socwa.org. |
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