New February 2000
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Editor's note
The following abstract describes a publication that is intended for print distribution or as a downloadable PDF. Please see links to the PDF file and ordering information on this page.
John
SteckerThis publication describes the methods used by University of Missouri Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory to provide soil test interpretations and fertilizer recommendations for residential lawns and gardens (including vegetable and flower gardens). These guidelines have been developed from research conducted in Missouri or adapted from work done in adjacent Midwest states. Because residential landscape plantings and lawns are of relatively small size, specific directed management is possible for a specific area, such as a front yard or an area around a tree or bush. Proper nutrient management considers a soil's ability to supply plants with essential nutrients. Fertilizer and amendment recommendations are then based on soil tests. By eliminating the guesswork of providing nutrients, plant growth and appearance can be optimized, and excessive and potentially environmentally harmful fertilizer applications can be avoided.
In soil testing, laboratory procedures measure plant-available nutrients in the soil. Fertilizer recommendations are given for these nutrients. Many different fertilizers are commercially available, but all report the percentage of available nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). Directions for choosing the right fertilizer to match the nutrient recommendation and calculating the fertilizer amount to apply are provided. Also described are calculations for recommendations of limestone, gypsum, secondary and micro-nutrients.
Soil samples collected from lawns and gardens should be submitted with the Horticulture Soil Sample Information forms. Information recorded on these forms along with soil test data provide the basis for recommendations. Forms can be obtained from county MU Extension center and from Soil Testing and Plant Diagnostic Services in Columbia and Portageville.
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MP733, new February 2000