What are the benefits to having my soil tested?

Good question. Different areas have different types of soil. Understanding the makeup of your soil — including any deficiencies — can help you go from a good harvest to a great harvest.

First, the soil...

Soil testing can determine nutrient content, composition, acidity or pH level and more. Soil testing can also take the guesswork out of how to fix any issues you’re having with your soil, providing the information necessary for maintaining the best possible growing conditions each year. Soil testing is a diagnostic tool for determining the nutrient profile and structure of your soil, done by measuring the chemical or physical attributes of the soil, as well as the soil’s nutrient status and any lime requirements. Think of it as a checkup for your soil that gives you a picture of the soil’s overall health — and areas for improvement.

Correcting imbalances in your soil can not only help your plants, it can also help control pests, diseases and invasive weeds — things that are usually caused by nutrient imbalances in the soil. Soil testing can also give you the information you need to help you use the right type and amount of fertilizers. It can even help you select the correct compost to use. I typically refer folks to the Soil Doctor for input on specific blends.

Then a custom compost

Rogue Compost can provide compost, mulch and potting mix customized to your specific needs. Maybe you need compost with a slightly higher acidity. Or one that helps hold in water and is OMRI certified for use in organic production? We start with a base of Rogue Compost, then use our custom mixer machinery to add in whatever you like. You can either tell us what to buy for you or you can bring it in yourself — anything from gypsum, bone meal, peat and coconut coir to Bio-Char, pumice and phosphate. A customized potting mix made to your specifications can help improve crop yields by achieving healthier soil.