Quote:
Originally Posted by tomwed
How do you test soil? I know you can sent it to the university extension but that could take weeks.
For zoisia what readings do you need to know? ph? nitrogen? compost or whatever it's called? moisture?
What's the ideal numbers?
[For example, Zoysia Grass (aka Zoysiagrass) thrives in slightly acidic soils with a pH of between 6.0 and 6.5. If the soil has a higher or lower pH, then the Zoysia turf will be thin, pale and weed infested. 1 down 3 to go]
Is digital testing using probes just as good as the kits?
Is there still expert volunteer help on mondays with gardening at the police annex?
I did some research and learned that the reason acidic soil is called sour is because before science was used people tasted the soil. [that may be common knowledge]
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RE; DIGITAL METERS
They are available at all different price points. The ones sold for a few bucks at stores like Lowes, Home Depo, Walmart are not very accurate. You could calibrate them against known substances and then improve accuracy. The chemical kits are far more accurate if as directed you use them with distilled water. In most of the villages we have sandy, clay filled with LIMESTONE. Take some of your soil? put it into a clear glass and add vinegar. You will see it fizz as the acidic vinegar dissolves the limestone.
WHAT TO DO? I would have a professional soil test done to tell you what you have. If, you question any of the INEXPENSIVE DIGITAL METERS, you are right to do so.
If, we agree that those meters are not to be trusted, buying one is of no value.
I am a big believer in adding organic matter to any soil.
Our soil and I expect your soil is very low in organic matter.
Put a handful and into a clear jar or glass and let it settle you will see what you have-cost zero. Our lawn is 5000 sq feet. We added 70 bags of manure to it by drilling with a 1.5 inch auger bit down 6 inches and filling each hole with manure-A LOT OF WORK. THAT IS 70X50=3500 POUNDS.
Black cow the only poop with it's own ad campaign is a quality product. It does not smell at least no much and the price seems to have dropped.
On my improved soil, we use less water and less fertilizer.
yOU CAN GROW GRASS ON CEMEMNT AND SOME OF US ARE. IF, YOU IMPROVE YOUR SOIL IT IS FAR EASIER TO GROW A BETTER LAWN WITH LESS WORK.