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I recently have been in the process of getting a soils test done, and since it is by first , the testing company will come and do a core test to a depth of 4ft.. Their reasoning is, the bottom 3ft. of soil is much more important than the top foot. especially for long term stability for the soil, and ease of maintaining satisfactory levels in the coming years. The cost for this including a complete evaluation on the soil and recomended solutions is $89.00 So my question is: is this the right way to go.

11/6/2002 12:13:27 AM

Caceres, Spain

Pumpkins are shallow rooted and only last five months on the soil. That deep your testing company went is more for fruit trees. But if the evaluation is clear it will work for you.
What are the recomended solutions?
Don

11/6/2002 12:58:46 AM

Puyallup, WA

I agree. Even the main roots of the trunk only go 24-30"
deep. Lateral roots only go down 18". Every soil lab that I have dealt with say that they want soil samples at 6" deep. I pay $29 for a complete analysis.

11/6/2002 1:25:49 AM

Paradise Mountain, New York

I got my test done at A & L Labs. A soil test down 4 feet?? never heard of such a thing for growing pumpkins. The roots will never get that deep into the soil. plus how can you plow or roto-till that deep?

11/6/2002 11:01:01 AM

Connecticut

most universities that teach agriculture also do soil tests. I buy a test kit from Uconn for 5 dollars. it explains how to take a random soil sample of your garden. you tell them what you are growing. pay for postage' and get a complete soil analysis. total cost is about 7 dollars.

11/6/2002 3:56:03 PM

Billerica,Massachusetts

Umass does it for $12.00
see link for prices and descriptions

http://www.umass.edu/plsoils/soiltest/

11/6/2002 4:20:38 PM

Caceres, Spain

Conclussion: Ice-man, you payed too much. No problem, is just money.

11/7/2002 1:21:18 AM