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How long to wait after fertilizing to test the soil? #878098

Asked July 21, 2024, 11:02 AM EDT

I have a newly seeded lawn with a Kentucky Bluegrass blend on clay soil. It has been growing and received a started fertilizer 4 weeks in. I want to test my soil, but am wondering if I should wait.

Kent County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello Jason,

A sampling of University studies advise to wait weeks to months after fertilizing, before taking a soil sample for testing.

If the starter fertilizer was a slow release product, it may take a long time for it to fully dissolve and travel through your soil. If you wait for two to three months, you are looking at September or October before you can take your samples. You can take your soil sample late fall (November) or in the spring next year.

Here is an article that says to wait several months after applying a fertilizer, before doing a soil test: https://extension.wvu.edu/natural-resources/soil-water/soil-testing

Here is a link to the information on MSU soil tests: https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/

Edward A. Replied July 25, 2024, 7:24 PM EDT

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