Since most woodland soils have a low pH level it is a good idea to obtain a soil test from the sites you are planning on planting your food plots. A soil test is used to determine the amount of nutrients in the soil. The soil test results are then used to make a soil test report. In addition to indicating the level of nutrients in your soil, the report will also tell you the pH value or how acidic or basic your soil is, and it will make a recommendation for the amount and type of fertilizer and/or lime you need to add to the soil for optimum plant growth. This allows you to customize your soil fertilizer and lime applications to your food plots needs.
Collecting soil samples is a simple matter. Contact your local county Extension office for instructions on how to collect the sample. Generally there is a small charge for the test but it is a minimal expense. Knowing exactly how much fertilizer and lime your food plot needs will save you money by preventing you from wasting fertilizer and lime on a plot where it isn’t needed or by preventing low crop yields due to the fact that you needed to add fertilizer and lime to optimize your food plots.
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