Soil Nutrient Testing

This is an important activity prior to applying fertilisers. It helps to determine the availability of nutrients within a soil and this would then be used, along with other soil tests, such as pH, organic matter content and soil texture, as well as knowing the type of sward required and desired grass species, the type and formulation of fertiliser that would be best suited for the situation.

Having an understanding of the available plant nutrients within a soil, whether macro-nutrients or micro-nutrients, can help determine if there is a deficiency, adequate amount, or excess (which can lead to toxicity). Knowing the existing available nutrients allows for a more tailored and targeted fertiliser to be applied, reducing the likelihood of waste and unnecessary expenditure.

Reducing surface run-off and pollution of soil and water courses by not overapplying unnecessary nutrients contributes to the environmental protection of natural resources. Ensuring a more targeted nutrient application also contributes towards more sustainable maintenance practices.

Reducing unnecessary quantitative growth and providing soil nutrient levels that produce a more competitive desirable grass rather than encouraging weeds will make it easier for a grounds manager to produce the quality of surface that is desired.

Carrying out nutrient testing on a routine basis can help to monitor the trend in available nutrients, all of which will contribute to ensuring that ongoing fertiliser applications continue to be targeted and more cost-effective for the desired situation. If any nutrients start to accumulate and are not utilised as anticipated, then action can be taken before they become detrimental to grass growth. By contrast, if some nutrients start to become less available than planned then remedial action can also be taken to correct any potential or actual deficiencies. The cost of testing and monitoring soil nutrient status is less than the consequences of inappropriate fertiliser applications and the activity should be an integral part of grounds management decision making.