Before Working On Your Lawn This Spring - Don't Guess, Soil Test!
Kalamazoo, Mich.- Have you ever wondered why the Kalamazoo River and other lakes and rivers become full of algae in warmer weather? Did you know that you can help keep waterways clean and clear? Before working on your lawn this spring - don't guess, soil test!
Fertilizers are made of three active ingredients – nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. A bag of 12-12-12 fertilizer contains 12% nitrogen, 12% phosphorous, and 12% potassium. Most areas within the Kalamazoo River watershed have adequate amounts of phosphorous in the soil. Although phosphorous molecules bind tightly to soil particles, that bond is broken when soil erodes into waterways and causes excessive algae growth when it runs off into waterways. One pound of phosphorous equates to approximately 750 pounds of algae!
Super Soils Saturday was created to raise homeowner awareness about the importance of knowing soil characteristics. On Saturday, April 22nd from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, various retailers across the Kalamazoo River watershed will be conducting free soil tests. Within five minutes, homeowners will know the pH, phosphorous and potassium levels of their soil and will be given recommendations on how to care for their lawn in a more environmentally friendly manner.
If you are interested in learning even more about your soil, further testing is available at any MSU Extension office. The cost of an MSU soil test is $10.00. This test will also give fertilizer recommendations along with other important soil characteristics like texture, percentage of organic matter, and the availability of nutrients to plants.
To take a soil test, follow these easy steps:
- Collect soil samples from one type of landscape area. Dig to the depth of plant roots.
- Place 2-3 cups of the dry, well-mixed soil in a plastic bag
For more information on Super Soils Saturday, or about Michigan State University Extension soil testing, please contact Melanie Szewczyk at 269-383-6429 or email her at szewczy5@msu.edu
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The Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program is designed to help residents and farmers identify ways to reduce the risk of groundwater contamination associated with the application of pesticides and nitrogen fertilizers. Programs are both voluntary and confidential and aim to maintain a focus on the financial and technical constraints that drive everyday decisions. MGSP is a cooperative effort between Michigan Department of Agriculture, Michigan State University Extension, USAD Natural Resources Conservation Service and Michigan's AmeriCorps. Close coordination is also maintained with Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Agri-Business Association and the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts.
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MSU Extension is an Affirmative-Action Equal-Opportunity Institution. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status.
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