Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison to discuss “Today’s Topic.”
It’s the right time of year to obtain soil tests for cool-season grasses, such as fescue and ryegrass. The NCDA&CS Agronomic Services Division’s soil testing lab can return the results quickly and provide useful information about fertilizer and lime.
Having results in hand will help homeowners identify the best fertilizer to coincide with active fescue growth. In addition, applying lime can boost the soil pH, which helps ensure that roots grow well and plant nutrients are readily available.
If the soil test identifies a need for phosphorus and potassium, an appropriate fertilizer containing these plant nutrients is given. This same fertilizer will also supply nitrogen, which stimulates growth. The fertilizer recommended should be applied at the suggested rate in September, November and February. A good way to remember this schedule is to think of Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day.
Click on the link below to listen to Commissioner Troxler and Rhonda talk about soil testing. For more information about testing your soil, click here.
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