In order to gain the most information about the condition of the soil and the problems that are causing the symptoms, learning about what you are looking for and recognizing what you are seeing is essential.

Here is a list of several ways to evaluate your soil:

pH Testing – pH represents the percentage of hydrogen. Neutral soil is balanced, elevated pH indicates alkaline conditions, lower pH indicated acidic conditions. Both indicate the imbalance of the minerals. Also test the pH of the plant sap.

This will give a good indication of the balance of minerals in the plant. Neutral pH for the soil, the urine and saliva of humans and animals, and of the higher level plants should be 6.4!

Electrical Conductivity Testing – the measurements of ergs in the soil. Too much energy will result in root damage. Low or depleted energy will result in plants that do not have enough energy to compete the growing and reproduction process. Balance is the key.

Biology Testing – this testing determines the types of biology in the soil, the ratios of micro-organism, as well as their activity. This information is important in determining the appropriate ratios for the crops that are to be grown. For more information go to www.soilfoodweb.ca.

Chemical Testing – testing that identifies the quantities of minerals in the soil, the base saturations and the cation exchange capacities. This process usually involves baking the soil, grinding the soil and washing it in an acidic solution.

Water Soluble Testing –testing that reveals the minerals that are available to the plant. This test is done by washing the soil with a mild acidic solution similar to rain water or the acid the plant would excrete. Soil Foodwebs latest submission forms...

Tissue Testing – evaluation of the minerals that are in the tissue of the plants. This testing will give you a good indication of the plants nutritional value, but will also identify the translocation of the minerals from the soil into the plant tissue. Wide variations of the levels of minerals indicate mineral tie-ups, and electrical unbalances.

Brix Testing – measurement of the Degrees of Brix in the plant sap is an excellent way to determine plant energy, as well as nutrition. Use of a refractometer is easy and economical. Increased levels of Brix indicate a healthier plant with increased energy and nutrient dense produce. A list of Brix levels for many of the foods we eat is available online at www.highbrixgardens.com.

Good Old Crop Checking – take a walk and look at what is happening in your field.  Look at your weeds, your insects, the soil condition. Dig down a few inches and look at the trash from last year, the year before. What does it smell like? Is your biology working? What are your roots like? Are they healthy? Are your minerals electrically tied up? Are there compaction issues?

Testing equipment is economical and will provide a wealth of information about your soil.  Call us if you need help sourcing the equipment for soil testing.