Interpreting Soil sample results

I don't even see where they listed a N content..?

Maybe call the number at the bottom?

Pretty sure if you go to Cleggs or Site One, any good place with fertilizers, they can help you interpret.

Your PH is also high. I think centipede likes about 5.5. I’d just try to get it down to 6 if I were you.

You can put down elemental sulphur to lower the PH level. You’ll need about 60-80lbs per 1,000 to lower to 6. I’d split this up between 3-4 applications every 6 months and get a soil test every time.

Mine was similar, Cleggs told me this. Like someone said, I’d bring your results to Cleggs (or your local nursery) and see what they say.

That’s a good recommendation. And I agree, I don’t like how the print the results.

Did they test for nitrogen? Most don’t because of how rapidly grass uses if.

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Sir Saint

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Re: nitrogen, all of those measurements amount to 1.5lbs of nitrogen. I’m not a fan of how LSUag presents this info bc it is confusing - all it’s saying is to apply 1.5lbs of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft per year. Something like a 15-5-10 would be good based on these results. Don’t apply all 1.5lbs of nitrogen at once, split into 2-3 applications spread out during growing season.

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Very good post Sir Saint, and spot on with calculations and recommendation.

LSU Ag Center soil analysis reports are geared more to the farming community and not homeowners - they really should improve this, but they largely rely on the county agents to help interpret these reports for homeowners when requested, but then they are stretched thin…..

And unless recommendations have changed centipede fertilization should not exceed 1 lb N per year, split in 2 applications, one application now of 1/2 lb N, and other optional 2nd application in June/July.

N is rarely measured by any soil testing lab b/c being a labile compound the concentration at any single point in time is nearly meaningless to make fertilization recommendations from.

OP you didn’t say where you are located but if anywhere near BR or Mandeville, Site One Landscape Supply sells a Lesco 15-5-15 lawn fertilizer (very good pricing) which would largely meet the requirements as recommended by your soil analysis report. You’d apply 3 1/3 pounds of 15-5-15 per 1000 sq ft of lawn now, and again in 2 to 3 months.

ETA: I see your soil test result says Prairieville. There is a Site One in the Industrialplex off of Siegen Lane/Airline Hwy.

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It is telling you that you need 7.2 lbs of Nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft.

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Exhibit A on how this info can be easily misinterpreted.

Yes, that pH number explains why calcium is high and sulphur is low. Of those fertilizers mentioned, ammonium sulfate would be optimal. It’ll add sulphur and also lower the pH better than the others.

The nitrogen rate is also to be divvied up into split applications. The results should've came with an additional sheet that explains how and when (i.e. 1/3 now, followed by 1/3 in May, and the remaining 1/3 in June)

Craw, help me out since you are more familiar with it. Since testing for N is a moot point does LSU test for it or are the recommendations on their soil sample results simply based on grass type? I met with Dr Ron several times but for the 4 years I worked at Scott’s in BR we never once discussed their soil sample results.