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Re: Soil test questions

Meredith,

The soil test recommendations that you get will only be as good as the
information you submit to the laboratory. You will have to tell them
what will be growing and what kind of yields you expect (because most
soil testing laboratories calibrate their recommendations to soil
nutrient levels - specific to plant species that are commonly grown in
that area).

You are probably more interested in the N, P, K levels in the earth
material and the particle size analysis (soil texture). If it is clay
backfill, chances are that the organic carbon (and the associated
compounds) are going to be low. Soil pH, and possibly a lime
requirement, are definitely needed. There is a chance, based on your
description of "old red clay", that the material is acidic and may need
an application of limestone.

Good luck,

Jon Brandt



Meredith wrote:
> 
> Greetings from TN,
> I'd like to know what information any of you consider to be most
> important when soil testing for a grassland/meadow.  I am working on a
> 2-3 acre site at the Tellico Dam Reservation outside of Knoxville, TN.
> The soil is a  large berm of mostly compacted clay backfill directly
> under one of those huge power towers.  Not knowing where the backfill
> originated is my only concern, though I suspect it's plain old red clay
> throughout.
> 
> I'd appreciate any input you can offer.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Meredith Clebsch
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