Back to Info Sheets	Know Your Soil: Start from the Ground Up   Your soil's acid-alkaline standing (pH) is an invaluable indicator of your soil's well being. It is the crucial soil factor that influences bacterial action, structure, nutrient availability and leaching, and the toxicity of certain elements. Take a soil test before planting,  then make recommended adjustments.  Use a Rapitest Soil Test kit, or bring a sample to the Agriculture Research Station for analysis. The pH scale runs from 1 to 14. A rating of 1 is extremely acid, and a rating of 10 or more is extremely alkaline. A pH of 7 is neutral. Most soils run from a pH of 4.5 to 8.5. Flowers, fruits, and vegetables do best in soils that have a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. There are groups of plants, such as rhododendrons and azaleas, which ideally prefer a more acidic soil of pH 4.5 to 5.5. Generally, most soils in Newfoundland are naturally acidic. Large applications of limestone are required to initially correct soil acidity, and smaller amounts are needed to maintain the soil pH. Clay soils will require more lime to correct acidity than sandy soils. A soil test is the best way of determining lime requirements.  You need about a cup of soil, from each area, for a soil test. Dolomitic limestone supplies both calcium and magnesium. It promotes increased activity of soil microorganisms and improves efficiency of fertilizer use.  It usually takes around three months for lime to change the soil pH.  Soil organic matter improves its texture, structure, and nutrient content. Organic matter in the form of compost, shredded leaves, peat moss, and composted manures should be added regularly to the soil. Organic matter such as peat moss will generally reduce the soil pH. Incorporating organic matter into the soil will improve its drainage while still allowing soil to remain moist and provide water to plant roots. Nitrogen is necessary for green growth and foliar production. Phosphorus promotes the growth of roots and stems, and also promotes flower production. Potassium is an overall strengthener, especially in fruits and vegetables, this  helps  to make them more resistant to disease and insects.   The Provincial Agriculture Research Facility will conduct a soil test for you to determine your pH levels.  You will need to take  2 - 3 cups of soil from a variety of spots in your lawn or vegetable garden to have a reliable test conducted.  Hours : 8:30 - 4:00 Mon. - Fri.  Telephone : 729 - 6588   Feed your soil and it in turn will feed your plants.   Vol. 97 no. 12
© Murray's Garden and Horticultural Services Last updated: March 5, 2008