To understand your field (garden or farm), you need to understand your soil by performing soil tests that assess its texture, pH, nutrient levels, and organic matter. You can do this through a hands-on “feel test” to identify its type (sandy, silty, or clayey) or by sending a sample to your local County Extension office for a detailed lab analysis. The results help you choose the right plants and apply the correct amendments (like compost or manure) to improve soil health and growing conditions. 

Hands-On “Feel Test”

1. Take a sample: Scoop a handful of moist, but not wet, soil into your hand.
2. Form a ball: Squeeze the soil firmly.
3. Observe its behavior:
   • Sandy soil: Falls apart as soon as you open your hand.
   • Clay soil: Holds its shape and feels sticky and slick, remaining intact.
   • Loamy soil: Holds its shape but crumbles easily when you poke it.
   • Silty soil: Feels smooth and holds its shape temporarily before falling apart. 

Professional Soil Testing

1. Collect a sample: Take a soil sample from your garden or field.
2. Send to the lab: Submit the sample to your local County Extension office or a private lab for analysis.
3. Get results: The test will report on soil texture, pH level, nutrient availability, and organic matter content. 

Using an agricultural environment meter

The agricultural environment meter is a multi-purpose device that can be connected to the following sensors:

1. soil moisture sensor;

2. soil temperature and humidity sensor;

3. soil temperature sensor;

4. light intensity sensor;

5. soil conductivity sensor;

6. soil pH sensor;

7. air temperature and humidity sensor;

8. carbon dioxide sensor;

9. formaldehyde sensor;

10. soil salinity sensor, etc.

What the Results Tell You?

Organic Matter:The percentage of organic matter (humus) indicates soil health and can influence aggregate stability. 

Soil Texture:The amounts of sand, silt, and clay determine how well your soil drains and holds water. 

Soil pH:This measurement indicates the soil’s acidity, affecting nutrient availability to plants. 

Nutrient Levels:A test reveals the levels of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. 

Select appropriate plants:Choose plants that are suited to your soil’s texture and nutrient profile. 

Amend your soil effectively:Apply the right amount of compost, manure, or other amendments to balance your soil. 

Improve drainage and aeration:Understand why water drains too quickly (sandy) or pools too long (clay). 

Prevent nutrient imbalances:Avoid adding excess nutrients that can pollute the environment and stress plants. 

Save money:Prevent poor plant growth, dead plants, and wasted fertilizer or amendments by investing in soil testing upfront.