Silver Service
Soils are often a complex interplay of different factors. The more comprehensive the analysis the better they are understood, managed & kept healthy. The Silver Service investigates additional tests to the Bronze Service. For ease of comparison, tests additional to those offered in the Bronze Service are highlighted in green.
What's included?
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Bespoke Report written in an easy to interpret style giving the reader the results of their soil tests, but, importantly, discussing their significance relating to your reason for having the soil tested. Customers frequently tell us how much they appreciate receiving this comprehensive report.
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Nutrient testing is carried out on five vital elements: phosphorus; potassium; magnesium, iron & copper. We guide on whether the concentrations are suitable for your specific needs & inform how to rectify deficiencies. We measure nutrients in their soluble form because plants can only take up nutrients in solution.
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Soil texture is one of the the key characteristics defining a soil. It is calculated by analysing the relative proportions of sand, silt & clay in the sample. We will tell you exactly what texture your soil is & advise on its nutrient retention & how it is best managed.
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pH analysis tells you how acid or alkaline a soil is. This is important because it dictates the kinds of plants that will grow well in your soil & allows you to avoid those that wont. We also guide how pH can be changed to optimize plant growth. If your soil is acidic & you require a more alkaline ground we will run a lime requirement test . This reveals how much lime is needed to increase its pH. The pH is one of the most important factors in plant nutrition. This is because nutrients vary in their solubility depending on the soil's pH. Plants only acquire nutrients in solution form, therefore pH dictates their availability to the plant.
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Percentage organic matter has a huge influence on soil fertility. It can chemically hold on to many nutrients needed for plant growth reducing the chances them being wash away by rain. Organic matter improves soil structure & makes clay soils more workable. To assess, a soil sub-sample is gradually heated to remove all moisture, weighed then placed in a kiln at 500 degrees Celsius. This ignites the organic matter (loss on ignition). The percentage is calculated as change in weight, between pre- & post-ignition.
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Electrical conductivity (EC) is a measure of the ability of a soil to conduct an electrical current. It is used as an indicator of soil fertility. EC collectively measures soil sodium, ammonium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, hydrogen, iron, copper, aluminium, manganese & zinc.
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Need soil tested to establish a wildflower meadow? We can suggest the appropriate seed mixture.
The Silver Service is perfect for:
providing a good all round knowledge of your garden soil;
landscape designers & architects needing a thorough understanding of a client's soil;
selecting the right plants for your soil conditions;
assessing soil quality prior to planting new areas;
cultivating vegetables, flower, fruit, trees & shrubs;
investigating phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron & copper deficiency or excess;
deciding which nutrients are necessary to add to boost plant growth;
learning the best way to manage & improve your soil's health.
