[CobargoSeedSavers] Soil testing

[Ruta Kanepe]

Hi Cobargo Seedsavers - if you're keen to get your soil tested you can get a discounted price by getting one done together with the Bega group's annual soil test.

Shared transport possible to deliver soil samples from our neck of the woods to Bega.

Here's Liz's message with the details: (More questions? please contact Liz at liz.worth at larkford.com.)

Ruta


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Hello Seed Savers,

It is that time again and we're again organising to do soil tests. You can send a sample of your soil in with ours to get the group price. Please get in contact with me and I'll supply details of what you need to do and how to take your sample. It isn't difficult, but it is important that you follow the required steps. You will be taking a small amount of soil from all your beds and mixing them together to get one sample for submission.
At the moment I'm targetting getting the samples and sending them off together on Tuesday 4th July. That means samples need to be taken on the 4th if possible. There is still flexibility about the date.

Each sample you submit for testing will cost you $92.40 including GST. This is a 5% increase on previous years.
Testing is done by Southern Cross University's Envronmental Analysis Laboratory - https://www.scu.edu.au/environmental-analysis-laboratory---eal/. BVSS has been getting a standard Mehlich III type test done and can help you with interpretting your results. This type of testing is looking at the nutrient levels in the soil. It does not test for toxic substances. Free testing for some toxic substances is available through Macquarie University here - https://www.360dustanalysis.com/get-started/soil/australia.
If you want to know more about soil testing then BVSC Library has a copy of the book 'The Intelligent Gardener' by Steve Solomon. Or it's available as an ebook from various sellers including - https://newsociety.com/books/i/the-intelligent-gardener-pdf. Like many USA books it is annoying because you'll need to convert everything to metric but otherwise it's a good start in explaining soil nutrients and testing to home gardeners. Not all soil folk agree on everything Solomon says but it's an accessible starting place.
I'm happy to answer any questions and explain what is required and what you can expect from your test results.

Cheers,

Liz


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