Soil Test Interpretations and Fertilizer Management for Lawns, Turf, Gardens, and Landscape Plants

Abstract

Fertilizer recommendations are based on the kinds of plants that are grown, the type of soil they are growing in, and the results of soil tests. Soil testing provides information on the availability of nutrients in the soil and is required for accurate fertilizer and lime recommendations.

This bulletin presents current fertilizer and lime recommendations for home lawns, vegetable and flower gardens, small fruits, tree fruits, and ornamental trees and shrubs. Basic recommendations for home lawns are also generally applicable to other turfgrass areas such as golf courses, athletic fields, parks, cemeteries, schools, industrial grounds, and commercial sod farms. Commercial nursery or greenhouse growers interested in fertilizer recommendations for container grown crops should use different soil tests.