Fertility Levels of Minnesota Lawn and Garden Soils, 1972-76

Abstract

Chemical soil tests measure the relative nutrient status of the soil and assist in making recommendations for efficient and safe use of fertilizer and lime. Soil testing procedures have now progressed to the stage where the measurement of nutrient deficiencies as well as excesses is possible. The University of Minnesota Soil Testing Laboratory has given assistance to homeowners and turf managers since its establishment in 1950. Lime and fertilizer recommendations were originally prepared by soil scientists at the laboratory, and then from 1955 to 1972, by county extension agents. A computerized recommendation program for garden and lawn samples was introduced in 1972. The computer program was designed to give recommendations, based on the individual customer's situation, faster and more efficiently than previously possible. Soil test results have been summarized periodically since the establishment of the University of Minnesota Soil Testing Laboratory. The summaries published in 1964 reflected the native fertility of Minnesota soils (4). Occasionally, soil test results of samples received from Hennepin and Ramsey counties have been summarized to illustrate soil fertility problems encountered in the Twin City metropolitan area (Grava, J., 1958 and 1969, unpublished data). Soil test summaries are useful to the fertilizer and lime industries by pointing out areas of greatest need for their products. Extension personnel, teachers, and students find summary data helpful as teaching aids. The data reported here summarize 19,224 test results for garden and lawn soil samples received between April1, 1972, and December 31, 1976, by the University of Minnesota Soil Testing Laboratory. This report presents, in a general way, the fertility status of garden and lawn soils of Minnesota.