Hey there guys-

So I created this blog so I can easily update you with my day to day progress in the business and things I learn or experience.

Today I spent several hours studying soil test results.

I was just starting to get into fertilizing and soil testing because I
want to do it right without causing runoff from excessive fertilizing
etc.

I have been getting my soil tests results from Allen’s Seed Store in Exeter but
they are very busy and usually don’t have much time to explain what
should be done.  They advise me what fertilizer to put down, but I
never know at which rate, how often, or how much to but down. They
also usually only address N-P-K and PH issues and do not take into
account any of the results as far as the CEC, Ca, Mg, and Na levels.

I have been doing a lot of research online and I am trying to reach
out to get some help in these areas but I am finding it hard to find
any concrete information and as a result am doing a lot of guesswork.

I called the URI Master Gardener line and they had advised me of the soils department that

may be able to guide me in the right direction. He
seemed to think that since I was only dealing with lawns that I was
too focused on the details of the soil test.

Anyhow, in the soil test results I learned alot about CEC and that the lower the number the more sandy the soil. The optimal range is 10-15 and you can up this number by ammending it with organic matter such as compost.  I may try this on one lawn in the near future.

On my site Starting a lawn mowing business I will soon add more information about soil test results and how to interpret them along with new ideas about fertilizing lawns.