[How to FIX YOUR SOIL] - Step by Step How to USE a SOIL TEST

Summary

In this video, the creator demonstrates how to perform a fall soil test using the My Soil Test Kit. They guide viewers through the process of collecting soil samples from different areas of a lawn, mixing them, and preparing the sample for mailing to the testing facility. The video highlights the benefits of soil testing for lawn care, emphasizing that it helps optimize fertilizer use and improve soil health. The creator also encourages regular testing to track changes in the lawn over time and shares their own experience with the kit.

Takeaways

• 🍂 The video is set in the fall season, emphasizing the importance of conducting a soil test during this time.
• 🌿 The presenter discusses the significance of good soil for lawn care and introduces the My Soil Test Kit as a key tool for this purpose.
• 📦 The My Soil Test Kit includes a registration card, a return envelope, a measuring cup, and a synthetic root (ion exchange resin) for collecting soil samples.
• 🔍 The synthetic root simulates the absorption of nutrients by turf grass, providing a more natural representation of soil conditions compared to other testing methods.
• 📈 The presenter highlights the importance of consistency in soil testing, suggesting that tracking changes over time is more valuable than comparing different tests.
• 🌱 The video demonstrates the process of collecting soil samples from various parts of the lawn to ensure a representative sample for testing.
• 🧪 The soil sample is mixed with de-ionized water and the ion exchange resin before being sent to My Soil for analysis.
• 📊 The presenter shares a previous soil test result, indicating high iron levels and a deficiency in micronutrients, and discusses the organic approach taken to improve soil quality.
• 🌳 The video provides practical tips on how to collect soil samples, including using a clean bucket and a soil sample tool for accurate results.
• 💰 The presenter advocates for the cost-effectiveness of regular soil testing, suggesting it can save money by avoiding ineffective fertilizers and products.

Q & A

What is the purpose of conducting a fall soil test?

The purpose of conducting a fall soil test is to assess the soil's nutrient content and condition, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn and optimizing its growth and health.

What does the My Soil Test Kit include?

The My Soil Test Kit includes a registration card, a return envelope, a measuring cup, a synthetic root or ion exchange resin, and instructions for collecting and sending in soil samples.

How does the synthetic root or ion exchange resin work in the soil test?

The synthetic root, or ion exchange resin, acts as a proxy for the actual roots of plants, absorbing nutrients from the soil sample during the transit time to the testing lab, thus simulating the nutrient uptake by turf grass.

Why is it important to register the soil kit with My Soil Testing?

Registering the soil kit allows the user to associate the test results with their specific lawn or garden, making it easier to track changes over time and to receive personalized recommendations based on the test results.

What was the speaker's approach to improving soil health after the June soil test?

After the June soil test, the speaker opted for an organic approach, applying carbon and other organic materials to naturally extract nutrients from the soil and improve its health.

How many soil samples did the speaker collect for the fall soil test?

The speaker collected soil samples from seven different locations in the lawn: four in the back, one at the swale, and two in the front.

What tool does the speaker recommend for collecting soil samples?

The speaker recommends using a soil sample tool made by My Soil, which involves sticking it in the ground, twisting, and pulling out a sample.

Why is it important to mix the collected soil samples before sending them in for testing?

Mixing the collected soil samples ensures that the sample sent for testing is representative of the entire lawn, providing a more accurate assessment of the overall soil condition.

How often does the speaker recommend conducting soil tests for lawn care?

The speaker recommends conducting soil tests twice a year, once in June and once in the fall, to monitor the changes in the lawn's soil health and make informed decisions about lawn care.

What is the approximate cost of the My Soil Test Kit mentioned in the script?

The speaker estimates the cost of the My Soil Test Kit to be around $30, which is a reasonable investment for maintaining a healthy lawn.

Outlines

00:00

🍂 Fall Soil Testing with My Soil Test Kit

The speaker introduces the process of conducting a fall soil test using the My Soil Test Kit. They explain the importance of good soil for lawn health and demonstrate the contents of the kit, including a registration card, return envelope, measuring cup, and a synthetic root (ion exchange resin) for collecting soil samples. The synthetic root absorbs nutrients from the soil, simulating the process of turf grass. The speaker emphasizes the value of consistent testing to track soil health progress and shares their previous soil test results, which indicated high iron levels and a need for micronutrients. They opted for an organic approach to improve soil quality by adding carbon and other organic materials. The speaker then demonstrates how to collect soil samples from various parts of the lawn using a soil sampling tool and a bucket, and how to prepare the samples for mailing to My Soil for testing.

05:06

🔬 Preparing and Mailing the Soil Sample

The speaker continues with the soil testing process by showing how to mix the collected soil samples in a bucket to ensure a representative blend. They then use a provided scoop to transfer the mixed soil into a container with de-ionized water, which contains an ion exchange resin. This mixture is sealed and prepared for mailing. The speaker emphasizes the ease of the process and the importance of regular soil testing for maintaining a healthy lawn. They also discuss the cost-effectiveness of soil testing, as it helps avoid wasting money on ineffective fertilizers and products. The video concludes with the speaker packaging the soil sample in a prepaid envelope, ready to be mailed to My Soil for analysis. The speaker encourages viewers to like, comment, and subscribe for more informative content.

Keywords

💡Fall Soil Test

A fall soil test is a procedure conducted during the fall season to analyze the nutrient content of soil, which is crucial for lawn care. In the video, the host emphasizes the importance of performing a soil test in the fall to understand the soil's health and prepare for lawn maintenance. The script mentions, 'it's time for me, to do my fall soil test,' highlighting the seasonal aspect of soil testing.

💡My Soil Test Kit

The My Soil Test Kit is a product mentioned in the video that allows individuals to test their soil's nutrient levels at home. The host provides a detailed overview of the contents of the kit and how to use it, indicating that it includes a registration card, return envelope, measuring cup, and a synthetic root for nutrient absorption. The kit is integral to the video's demonstration of soil testing.

💡Synthetic Root

A synthetic root, also referred to as an ion exchange resin in the script, is a component of the soil test kit that simulates the root system of plants to absorb nutrients from the soil. This concept is central to the video as it explains how the test kit operates, with the host stating, 'it acts as a synthetic root and it absorbs, whatever nutrients are in the soil.'

💡Soil Sample

A soil sample is a portion of soil collected for analysis to determine its properties and nutrient content. The video script describes the process of obtaining soil samples from various parts of the lawn, emphasizing the need for a representative mix to ensure accurate testing results. The host demonstrates how to collect samples using a soil sample tool and a bucket.

💡Organic Route

The organic route refers to the use of natural substances and processes in lawn care, as opposed to synthetic chemicals. In the video, the host discusses their decision to take the organic route after receiving previous soil test results, indicating an effort to improve soil health through natural means such as adding carbon to the soil.

💡Micronutrients

Micronutrients are essential nutrients required by plants in small quantities, such as iron, which was found to be high in the host's previous soil test. The video script mentions micronutrients in the context of soil test results, illustrating the importance of these elements for lawn health and the need for balanced soil composition.

💡De-ionized Water

De-ionized water is water that has had most of its impurities and ions removed, often used in scientific experiments and testing to avoid contamination. In the video, the host uses de-ionized water to mix with the soil sample before sending it for testing, as indicated by the line, 'and we'll throw it in the de-ionized water, the exchange resin.'

💡Soil Test Results

Soil test results provide information on the nutrient levels and pH balance of the soil, which can guide lawn care decisions. The video script references the host's previous soil test results, which indicated high iron levels and a lack of certain micronutrients, motivating the host to take action and improve soil quality.

💡Lawn Care

Lawn care encompasses the practices and processes involved in maintaining a healthy and aesthetically pleasing lawn. The video's theme revolves around lawn care, with the soil test being a key component. The host discusses the importance of good soil for lawn health and how testing can inform lawn care practices, as evidenced by the statement, 'if you're serious about creating an amazing lawn, having good soil is a huge part of it.'

💡Ion Exchange Resin

Ion exchange resin is a material used in the soil test kit to simulate plant roots and absorb nutrients from the soil. The host explains that this method is more representative of actual plant nutrient uptake compared to other soil test methods, as mentioned in the script: 'it acts as a synthetic root and it absorbs, whatever nutrients are in the soil.'

💡Golf Course Lawn

A golf course lawn refers to a high-quality, well-maintained lawn that is often associated with the pristine conditions found on golf courses. The video uses this term to set a standard for lawn care, with the host aiming to achieve similar results through soil testing and proper lawn maintenance, as indicated by the phrase, 'it's a good investment in creating a golf course lawn.'

Highlights

Introduction to the fall soil test and My Soil Test Kit.

Importance of conducting a soil test for maintaining a good lawn.

Explanation of the registration process using the My Soil Test Kit.

Overview of the materials included in the My Soil Test Kit, such as the registration card, return envelope, and measuring cup.

Explanation of how the ion exchange resin acts as a synthetic root for absorbing nutrients during the soil testing process.

Comparison of My Soil Test Kit to other soil test methods, which often involve baking or grinding soil.

Advice on the consistency of using one testing method to track changes in soil composition over time.

Mention of previous soil test results showing high iron and lacking micronutrients.

Decision to use organic products and natural methods to improve soil quality instead of adding chemicals.

Steps for collecting soil samples from various parts of the lawn.

Demonstration of the tool used to extract soil samples and recommendations for clean bucket storage.

Instructions on mixing the collected soil samples to create a representative sample for testing.

Explanation of how to properly seal the soil sample and prepare it for mailing.

Final encouragement to viewers to conduct soil tests to ensure they use the right fertilizers and treatments.

Reminder about the cost-effectiveness and benefits of regular soil testing for lawn care.

Transcripts

- All right.

Well YouTube, it's fall, and it's time for me

to do my fall soil test, so I figured why not

do a deep dive into the My Soil Test Kit

and show you guys everything you get with it

and then how to go about conducting a soil test.

In a recent video I did on how to create an amazing lawn

in 90 seconds, one of the key things I pointed out

was that you should have good soil,

and one of these bad boys is an important part of that.

So let me show you what you get when you pick one

of these up.

So, in the test kit you get first, a registration card,

and what I've done is I've taped

over my registration number, this kit number,

but there's a number that you get here

that when you go to mysoiltesting.com,

you plug that in, you register the soil kit to yourself,

and then in about a week, after you

send everything in, you get your results.

So that's the first thing that's in here.

Next, you get a return envelope.

Pretty self explanatory.

And then you get a cup, like a scoop,

a measuring cup, if I can get it out.

You get a measuring cup, and with that,

you take your soil sample and you put it into this bad boy.

So, what this is, again, I've kind of gone over some

of this in my video on Alex's lawn, but what this is

is a synthetic root.

I think the actual official name and My Soil

will probably yell at me if I get this wrong,

but it's, I think it's called an ion exchange resin,

and what it does is when you go out

and you collect soil samples, you throw it in here,

and during the time when it takes

for this to leave from here in Georgia to get to My Soil

for testing, what this thing does is,

it acts as a synthetic root and it absorbs

whatever nutrients are in the soil.

So, instead of like test kits that go through

and they bake the soil, or they grind it,

or they do other things to it,

this is simulating like what my turf grass

is actually doing.

So, I mean, kind of like most things,

when it comes to testing versus comparing,

like one soil test to another soil test,

is really probably more important that you pick one type

of testing and stick to it,

and then you just measure the deltas in between,

and that will let you know if you're making progress.

So in June I did a test and based on that,

you guys saw that my iron was high, and I was lacking

in a few small micronutrients.

I'll put the soil test results up here,

so you guys take a peek at that.

And what I decided to do was instead of like adding a bunch

of different products to the lawn,

I decided to do, go the organic route.

So this season, you guys know, after June into July,

I've done tons of carbon, tons of stuff to my lawn

to try and naturally extract what's in the soil,

and see if it helps my soil test results.

So once I go around and I get some soil samples

from different spots in my lawn, it'll go in here.

So what else do you need?

You need some means of getting the soil sample out.

Now, this is something that My Soil makes as well.

It's, I guess, a soil sample tool.

I'm not sure what the official name is,

but it's a tool that you do, you stick it in the ground,

twist, and pull out a sample, and then you need something

to put it into.

I recommend that you just get a bucket,

it doesn't have to be this big,

but like a bucket that is clean,

so make sure you wash it out and then dry it out,

so you don't have any other foreign material in there

that could influence the results.

And then really given the size of my lawn,

so if you look what you guys are seeing behind me,

probably not seeing the entire thing,

but it's, it's about 8,000 square feet, 8,500 square feet,

thereabouts behind me.

So what I'm gonna do is I'm going to take a soil test

from three different locations back here, three or four,

and then I'll go do one in the side lawn and then one

in the front lawn, and then we'll mix it all up,

throw it in here, and then we'll mail it out.

So let's go do that now.

All right YouTube, so let's get the first sample.

So all we're gonna do again, take the tool,

shove it down in, give it a twist.

What comes out is a sample that looks like that,

and then I'll knock it off, put it in the bucket,

and that is what you end up with.

All right on to the next location.

So the next spot we're gonna do is like, I'll pick one here,

at this side of the lawn, one out by the corner.

So let's pick one right here, it doesn't really matter,

you don't have to be super, super precise, but yeah, again,

same thing, same process.

Down, twist, there's your sample in the bucket.

Over to here, collect another one.

Like that.

And what we're gonna do is, once we collect all of these,

we're gonna mix 'em up, and then take that scoop,

and throw it in the de-ionized water, the exchange resin.

We'll do one here more by the, on the side of the patio,

just so we have a good sample of what the soil is like

in the back lawn.

Now, if I were really being super hardcore about this,

what I would do is I would do one soil test

for the back lawn, and then one for the front lawn.

That way I'd be able to tailor what I apply,

so depending on the size of your property,

you might want to consider doing that, but this is just,

I'm just doing it quick and dirty,

'cause that's kinda like what I did last time,

so I want to be consistent.

We'll pick up a sample here for the swale area,

and then we'll go over to the front lawn.

So like right here where we see a lot of runoff,

we'll do one here.

Twist and pull, and kind of like that,

and then we'll finish up here on the front lawn.

We'll just do two for the front lawn.

So one here, oh, it pains me.

Then one more.

There we go.

All right, so as you guys can see now,

I've got a pretty good sample, or amount of dirt in there.

So what I'm gonna do now is we'll go back to the table,

we will mix all this up, we'll blend it up,

and then we'll throw it in the scoop and mail this out

to My Soil, so you guys can see how that works.

See you back at the table.

All right guys, so we've got our sample.

You can see the bucket's full of dirt,

and we're gonna repurpose our sample collection tool

just to mash some of this stuff up to create,

make sure they're all blended, make sure, make a good mix,

kind of like that.

So, what I send in is representative of the entire lawn.

So there you go, so now what you see,

I got now is a nice blend

of how many ever of my points that was.

I think we did what, four in the back,

one at the swale, and two in the front, so what is that?

Seven, thereabouts.

All right, so, got our de-ionized water and our very,

very exotic scoop.

Look at that guys, that's a good form.

That's really nice, you gotta hand it to My Soil,

they hand you the little plastic scoop

for getting the dirt out, thought of everything.

All right, so we'll crack the seal on this, get this open,

and all we're gonna do is try not to spill that,

get a good scoop out, good, healthy scoop, like, so.

I think I may have done too much here.

We'll see if I can get all this in there,

but as you can see, let me get this on camera,

just pouring that in there, like that.

All that beautiful Georgia goodness, look at that.

You know, I'm sure they get a lot of soil tests;

when they get soil tests from Georgia,

they're probably like, "Man, these guys in Georgia,

"that soil, they know, they know what's about."

All right guys, so that's, that's good, nice and full

and now we'll just seal that up, like so.

Make sure it's nice and tight.

Let me give it a little shake there.

Nice slurry.

I like it.

And then finally now, we are going to take that,

drop it in the prepaid envelope, like so.

Make sure it's nice and tight, not gonna create a mess,

like that, remove the sticker, and mail this bad boy out.

All the way down and bam.

And that's it guys, that easy.

That's all that's required to get a soil test done,

and it's something you guys really should be doing.

Kind of like if you're serious about creating

an amazing lawn, having good soil is a huge part of it.

It saves you a lot of money,

'cause you don't spend a lot of time on fertilizers

that aren't, you're not getting the most out of,

you're not using the wrong products on your lawn,

and it's super easy.

I mean, I think these things go for,

I don't know, I think they're something like $30,

thereabouts, you do it like once or twice a year.

I did it twice a year.

I did once in June and now here in the fall,

just to see how the lawn has changed.

And it's a good investment in creating a golf course lawn.

So guys, I hope you guys found this useful.

If so, please like, comment.

If you're using different soil tests or if you've gotten,

if you've used this test from My Soil,

let me know about that too, and the kind

of results you've gotten,

and if you're not yet a subscriber, consider subscribing.

I really do appreciate it.

It helps me out, helps the channel out,

allows me to keep making great content for you guys.

Thank you so much for watching.

I will see you next time.

Have an amazing day.

(gentle music)