What is a soil test?
Current Wisconsin regulations require a soil test be performed to determine what type and size of a POWT (Privately Owned Wastewater Treatment System)is required. Currently the two most predominate types of systems in Wisconsin are Conventional and Mound wastewater disposal systems. This test must be performed by a Certified Soil Tester/Morphological Evaluator. These evaluators hold licenses which are issued after passing an exam administered by the state of Wisconsin. This certification program and soil evaluation procedure is relatively new to the State of Wisconsin. Prior to the institution of soil testing, a percolation or “perc” test was performed. This procedure involved digging a hole in the ground, filling it with water, and timing how long it took to drain or percolate the water into the surrounding soil. As time passed, more and more systems were failing prematurely. It turned out that many “perc” tests were performed on poor soils and were done in late summer and early autum
A soil test is a process by which elements (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, manganese, copper and zinc) are chemically removed from the soil and measured for their “plant available” content within the sample. The quantity of available nutrients in the sample determines the amount of fertilizer that is recommended. A soil test also measures soil pH, humic matter and exchangeable acidity. These analyses indicate whether lime is needed and, if so, how much to apply.
A soil test is a test which is used to gather information about the composition of the soil in a particular area. In a classic soil test, multiple samples are taken from the region of interest and tested before being averaged, ensuring that a random area of contaminated soil does not skew the sample. There are a number of reasons to conduct soil testing, ranging from a desire to grow a healthier garden to curiosity about potential contaminants in the soil. A typical soil test is done by taking samples and sending them to a lab for investigation. In some cases, a government agency may pay for the soil test. For example, if tenants suspect that a substance which is bad for them is in the soil, the public health department may take samples and pay for the testing. In other instances, the cost of the soil testing is the responsibility of the person ordering the test. When a lab performs a soil test, it sends back detailed results, often with a soil test guide so that people understand what
A Soil Test is a process by which nutrients are chemically removed from the soil and measured for their plant available content within the sample. The quantity of available nutrients in the sample determines the amount of fertilizers needed for a particular crop. A soil test also measures pH and the amount of acidity within the soil to determine if lime is needed and how much should be applied. Q2: How often should a soil be tested? A: A soil test should be conducted if fertilizer is going to be applied or when problems occur during the growing season. Once every year is recommended when nitrogen fertilizer is applied, and at least once every three years if P and K are concerned. Q3: When is the best time to take soil samples? A: Soil samples can be taken any time throughout the year for checking pH, phosphorus and potassium status. Collect soil samples 3-6 months before planting. Early spring is a good time to take soil samples for summer crops, and summer is a good time to sample for
A soil test is performed to determine the size, location and type (conventional or mound) of wastewater treatment system that will be installed at your home. After viewing the property and discussing the homeowners needs, the soil tester typically digs three to five holes with a backhoe to view and handle the soils to determine the soils drainage capability, the average high groundwater mark and signs of bedrock.
