Soil Testing

Accurate Soil Testing in IL

As a grower or farmer, you know the importance of ensuring the health of your soil. That means you have to have it tested regularly for the right balance of pH and acidic qualities, as well as for nutritional deficiencies that may be present. In essence, a soil test is a process by which elements such as phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium, sulfur, manganese, zinc and copper are chemically removed from the soil and measured. It can determine fertility, or the expected growth potential of the soil, as well as potential toxicities from too much fertility and the presence of non-essential trace minerals. We perform comprehensive soil testing here at Bolduc and Sons, offering this service as part of our Bolduc Ag division. Under this division, we also offer custom spraying, custom lime and fertilizer application, grid mapping, custom ammonia application, pesticides and herbicides. We work extensively throughout Henry, Stark, and Knox counties, backed by assurances of a hard-working 4th-generation company. See why so many farmers and growers choose us for our comprehensive soil testing!

What Does Soil Testing Provide?

As a farmer, you have lots of questions, such as “are there problems with my soil?” or “what kind of fertilizer should I use?”. A soil analysis can help farmers and gardeners answer all of these questions and more. A soil test will give you reliable information on two main soil characteristics:

• Soil pH measures acid (low pH) to alkaline (high pH) on a scale, with most soils being on the acidic side of the pH spectrum. Good soils for crop production usually contain a moderate amount of acid, but some are so acidic that crops don’t grow well. Soil tests will also determine pH problems and offer recommendations on how to correct them.
• Available nutrient levels in the soil are a determining factor in how good or bad crop growth will be. Soil analyses test for phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium to offer recommendations on achieving the right balance.

Benefits of Soil Testing

There are many benefits to farmers when it comes to soil testing. Soil tests will help:

• Improve yields and profitability, as you are better able to provide necessary nutrients to your crops.
• Increase the consistency of nutrient availability across your fields.
• Boost uniform crop growth, which also helps plants become stronger against weeds and simplifies processes such as spraying and cultivating.
• Boost uniform plant maturity, which also simplifies crop harvesting and drying, and improves market quality.
• Determine which nutrients are needed the most so you can allocate your fertilizer dollars to products that will give you the best ROI.

Contact Bolduc and Sons

To learn more about our soil testing services, contact us at 309-334-2153. We are located at 222 E 4th Street in Woodhull, IL.