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Basic Soil Health Test

Basic Soil Health Test

The basic soil health test provides an assessment of key parameters essential for plant growth including pH, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This simple yet insightful analysis offers valuable information to anyone looking to optimize conditions for their plants. Recommended strictly for monitoring garden health, not as a diagnostic.

$64.00
$64.00
Sale Sold out
For custom quotes, please contact us at info@alluvialsoillab.com
Additions

Report includes:

  1. Graphs, data analysis, and personalized recommendations with organic or conventional amendments.

More details:

Organic Matter: This test measures the amount of decomposed plant and animal material in the soil, providing insights into its structure, water retention, and nutrient-holding capacity.

Nitrate, Phosphorus, Potassium: These essential nutrients are evaluated to gauge the soil's ability to supply nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to plants, crucial for healthy growth and development.

Magnesium, Calcium: The presence of magnesium and calcium is assessed, as they play key roles in soil structure, plant metabolism, and cell wall formation.

pH and Buffer Index: Soil pH is measured to determine its acidity or alkalinity, influencing nutrient availability. The buffer index provides information on the soil's resistance to pH changes.

Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) and Percent Base Saturation: CEC assesses the soil's ability to retain and exchange essential cations, influencing nutrient availability. Percent base saturation indicates the proportion of cations in the soil, providing a snapshot of nutrient balance.

We do not recommend the Basic Soil Health Test if you're testing your soil for the first time—the Full Chemistry Test offers a much more comprehensive analysis of common deficiencies and toxicities like sodium, boron, copper, sulfur, manganese, TDS, etc.

    Sampling instructions

    1. Using a clean bucket and a shovel, collect three samples to a depth of 6 inches in random spots in the defined area*. Avoid sampling when soil is very wet.

    2. Break up any clods of soil, remove rocks, stones, sticks and plant matter, and thoroughly homogenize soil together in the bucket.

    3. Take out 2 cups of soil and place into plastic bag and label with a sample ID (i.e., Stevie's front yard), type of test, and order number (found in order confirmation email).

    4. Purchase your test on our website and send sample to Alluvial Soil Lab, 201 E Center St, Ste 112 #3083, Anaheim, CA 92805 using any postal carrier of your choice.

    Turnaround time is typically between 4 and 8 business days. Results will be sent via email.

    *To ensure a comprehensive soil assessment in your land, it's recommended to take one composite soil sample for every 1,000 square feet of garden space. This composite sample is created by collecting smaller soil samples from different locations within the 1,000 square feet area, allowing for a representative analysis of the soil's characteristics.

    **Always wear gloves, mask, or other necessary PPE while collecting samples from potentially contaminated soils.

    Advanced details

    Test includes:
    Organic Matter, Nitrate, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, pH, Buffer Index, Cation Exchange Capacity, Percent Base Saturation

    Suitability list includes (30) suitable species

    View full details

    Open Sample Soil Report (PDF)Which Test Is Right for You?

    • Wilson H.

      Verified Purchase ✓

      I recently started a garden at a community plot, and wanted to know what was in my soil, so I could make more targeted amendments. Jake walked me through how to do so, and after sending my samples in... (read more)

    • Noah M.

      Verified Purchase ✓

      As a professional in the field I very much appreciate the timely and detailed report, along with skilled follow up communications. I will certainly use Alluvial Soil Lab's services again.

    • Zakary S.

      Verified Purchase ✓

      Great support and detailed report. Helped advise what options we had to plant trees! Plants are doing incredible!(read more)

    • Peggy C.

      Verified Purchase ✓

      I recently moved to a property with a vineyard, and wanted to know what type of fertilizers to use and how much to apply. So I did a soil test. I was new to soil testing and with Jake's help and instructions, I was able to successfully collect… (read more)

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