TURF SOIL AND
SOIL HEALTH TESTING
Gain the insights needed to optimize turf health.
Soil and soil health testing provides a nutrient roadmap to make the best turf management decisions to optimize turf health and longevity.
Beyond monitoring soil conditions and gauging the effectiveness of fertilizer applications, we provide the information you need to implement an effective, data-driven action plan.
Talk to one of our turf experts for more information on our packages and services.
Responsible Stewardship
know your soil nutrients to make responsible fertility decisions
Cost Savings
Don’t spend money on inputs where you don’t have to! Uncover the true nutrient status of soil with an analysis
Automated Data Processing
API transfer allows clients to view data their way
Fertilizer Recommendations
Recommendations are provided with each test
Soil Testing Packages
- Basic – pH, buffer pH, soluble salt, excess carbonate, organic matter, sodium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, CEC (% base saturation)
- Routine – basic package plus: nitrate zinc, sulfur
- Diagnostic – routine package plus: boron, manganese, copper, iron
- Turf Elite – diagnostic package plus advanced reporting with turf-specific recommendations.
Other Soil Analysis Options
- Particle Size Analysis
- Saturated Paste Extract – soluble nutrients and salinity
- Soil Health Add-Test – add to any soil test package. Includes the seven most important soil health metrics: soil health score, CO2 respiration, total carbon, total nitrogen, C:N ration, mineralizable nitrogen, mineralizable phosphorus
Additional individualized analyses available upon request
Soil Health Testing Packages
All soil health samples are analyzed for the following: Soil pH, Buffer pH, Excess Carbonate, Soluble Salt, Organic Matter, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium, Nitrate, Sulfur, Zinc, Manganese, Copper, Iron, Boron, Calculated CEC and % of Base Saturation
- Basic – soil health score, CO2 respiration, C:N ration – (Cost: $45)
- Routine – basic soil health package plus water soluble analysis: carbon, total nitrogen, nitrate-N, ammoniacal-N, orthophosphate-P, water saturation % – (Cost: $55)
- Complete – routine soil health package plus Haney H3A extraction: phosphorus potassium, calcium, iron and aluminum – (Cost: $65)
- Solvita Only
*Pricing subject to change – call your local AgSource Laboratories location for special volume pricing
Turnaround time for soil analysis is two working days
AgSource can provide a variety of reporting options customized to your specific needs, including transfer of data via API.
Popular report options include:
• Turf Elite Soil Report + PSA
• Turf Soil Summary Report – Diagnostic Package
• Soil Health – Complete Package Report
• Soil Health – Add-Test Only
A good sample is the key to an accurate analysis. Consistency is the important to obtaining the most accurate soil test results for a soil fertility program. Follow our basic sampling reminders for best results.
AgSource Laboratories Soil Sampling Reminders:
- Determine sample locations. Record locations for future reference – this is particularly important for fairways. Do not mix sub-samples from different greens or fairways, always sample each separately.
- Take samples. Keep sampling depth consistent – sample greens to a depth of three inches, other turf samples can be to a depth of three to four inches. Take multiple sub-samples – about 10-15 sub-samples are needed for a representative nutrient analysis. For consistency, include a layer of thatch in your sample. Avoid fertilizer residue contamination – wait a minimum of two weeks after an application before collecting soil samples. Avoid “unusual” areas that are not representative of the larger area you are sampling.
- Identify samples. Clearly mark the samples and identify each sample bag on the submission form. Indicate type of turf being tested on the submission form and package choice.
AgSource Companion Product
Turf Plant Tissue Testing
Tissue testing provides a snapshot of your turf’s nutrient status at the time of sample collection. This can be helpful if you’re wanting to understand and track the nutrient status throughout the season, or are trying to pinpoint a specific problem.
