Marty’s Soil Test Results - 2017

[Mps9]

New construction home outside of Atlanta, GA with ~5000 SF of Bermuda sod laid down July 15, 2016.

Submitted one composite sample to lab that represented 10 sample locations throughout the yard taken at 4 inches.

Through October of 2016, I fertilized every 2 weeks with a ½ application rate of 34-0-0 fast release (1.5 lbs/1000 SF) and I watered ~1 inch per week.

In October, I also applied, what I thought at the time was a pre-emergent, Scotts Winter Guard (2, 4-D and MCPP), which I have since learned are both post emergent herbicides. As a result, this Spring I have large areas infested with annual bluegrass and an assortment of broad leaf weeds. This spring, I have applied one application of Trimec (~6 weeks before soil sample).

New to this level of lawn care, so interested in both the simple and best approaches.

Thanks in advance!

Marty

[andy10917]

Make sure to add the Link to this thread into the Soil Test Interpretation Queue thread, so you have a place in line

[Mps9]

Andy,

Not sure why the first link added to the interpretation queue topic post did not work. So, I have added another reply to get back in line for review. I will verify the link works once my message posts.

Thanks,

Marty

[andy10917]

OK. I'll try to remember that you were near the top of the queue.

[Mps9]

Thanks Andy!

I have verified the new link works.

Marty

[andy10917]

Marty, I'm up to your test interpretation, but we have many to do and I can't spend the time to do BOTH the simple and best. You'll have to pick one approach...

[Mps9]

Simple please.

Thanks Andy!

Marty

[andy10917]

They must be having a sale at SoilTestsRUs today on very sandy soils with poor OM numbers -- I've had a run on them. They are frustrating because you pour nutrients in and they just disappear (China Syndrome). Fix this with as much OM as you can find, or you will someday (poorer) figure it out.

All of the cations are low, leading to a pH of 5.9. 5.9 isn't terrible, but don't write home to Mom about it. And the path to "good" isn't straight. Apply good calcitic Lime (Encap/Solu-Cal/Mag-I-Cal) at the "Heavy Rate" on the bag, every 90 days. Mix in 2 lbs/K of Epsom Salts.

Get and post the NPK of a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or 19-19-19. This will correct Phosphorus and Potassium shortages, while taking care of the Nitrogen.

The Iron is quite weak - applying 3 lbs/K of Ferrous Sulfate will make a big difference. Do this every 60 days.

In the micro’s, it’s Boron and Zinc. Get Twenty Mule Team Laundry Soap (grocery) and Zinc Sulfate (Amazon/EBay), and apply each at three tablespoons/K every 60 days. Read the Micronutrient Application Guide for application specifics.

[Mps9]

Thanks Andy!

I was able to find 10-10-10 at local Tractor Supply.

Should also mention I put down 2 bag rate applications of Milo in May about 3 weeks apart.

Marty