Are you a keen gardener? If so, there's a chance you're always looking for ways to improve your growing techniques. One way to refine your approach is through soil testing. There's a lot that testing can tell you about your growing conditions, making it easier for you to produce blooming flowers and strong crops.
Your Soil's pH
How well certain plants and trees grow in your garden can depend on their pH. For example, if you love conifers, you'll find that they need slightly more acidic soil than a lot of other trees. Many plants and grasses grow in soil that's acidic, but you need to maintain the right balance to achieve optimal success. There are some factors in your local environment that'll affect your soil's pH but are beyond your control. For example, heavy rainfall or the type of soil you're growing in. However, once you're aware of pH levels, you can take steps to adjust yours. In doing so, you'll reduce the likelihood of your much-loved plants failing to thrive.
Nutrient Levels
Much like humans, plants need a careful balance of nutrients to reach their full potential. Potassium, nitrogen and magnesium are especially important. Although your plants may still grow when there's a deficiency of these nutrients, they might not prosper in the way you would expect. This can feel especially frustrating when you're trying to grow vegetables, as you'll likely want them to become large and juicy. Once you know what nutritional deficiencies are present, you can purchase the right fertilising products. This ensures you're not buying products that will introduce too many nutrients to your garden. Alternatively, you'll have a good knowledge base for identifying the right type of organic matter to add to your garden.
Drainage Issues
Alongside light and the right nutrients, your garden requires water. However, it may start to suffer if there's too much fluid present. As a gardener, you may struggle to identify drainage issues by simply looking at your garden. If the plants or trees you're growing have especially deep roots, they may run into problems deep into their beds. Too much water can cause them to rot, resulting in them dying. Soil testing can examine whether your garden isn't draining efficiently. This type of information can help you understand why growth is good in some areas but not others. It also allows you to plan drainage intervention systems, which don't need to be complex. You'll also learn where's best to avoid planting, as sometimes drainage problems can be complex.
For more information on soil testing, contact a professional near you.