ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION SERIES
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
EXTENSION ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, AUBURN UNIVERSITY, AL 36849-5647 Soil Testing Can Help The Urban Environment ANR-743, 1992. By Charles Mitchell, Extension Agronomist , Agronomy, Auburn University The proper use of manures and fertilizers is essential in maintaining urban landscapes in Alabama. Soil testing is one tool that has been emphasized for decades as essential to safe and economical fertilizer use. Today, it is still essential. In fact, where nutrient recommendations are followed within reasonable guidelines of soil testing and other best management practices are followed, there has been no indication of excessive nutrients entering surface groundwaters. Fertilizers and manure can, in fact, help improve our environment by enhancing productivity and fertilizer efficiency on our urban landscapes. Soil Testing For The Homeowner Homeowners and gardeners sent in more than one out of every four soil samples tested by Auburn University's Soil Testing Laboratory last year. Over 70 percent of the backyard garden samples were high, very high, or extremely high in phosphorus. Additional application of this nutrient, particularly at the very high and extremely high range, is not only wasteful, but could be environmentally damaging if the soil is not carefully protected from erosion. Nutrients are concentrated in an urban environmentnutrients from septic tanks, golf courses, lawns and gardens, city parks, and even pets. Some studies have shown that streams flowing through urban areas pick up nitrogen and phosphorus and lose them in rural areas. Because of this, suburban homeowners, gardeners, and those who manage public grounds need to rely on soil testing more closely to manage nutrient applications to the soil. | |
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