Soil test for nutrient management planning now available for professionally managed turf

John Peters and Doug Soldat, Department of Soil Science

This past year the University of Wisconsin Soil and Plant Analysis Lab-Madison introduced a new soil test package for golf courses as well as other professionally managed turf. The new soil test includes soil pH, organic matter and a Mehlich soil extract for available P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu and Na.  A calculated cation exchange capacity (CEC) is also included on this report.  The cost of this package is $20 per sample.

Interpretations and fertilizer recommendations are available for three categories of golf course turf including native soil greens or tees, sand-based greens and tees, and fairways/ rough.  The other options for recommendations include professionally managed athletic fields, institutional grounds, or parks.

Beginning in April 2007, the UW Soil and Plant Analysis Lab-Madison is now also offering a special nutrient management package for professionally managed turf.  Samples submitted using this program are tested for pH, organic matter, Bray P and K only.  Using this option is appropriate if multiple samples are required to meet nutrient management planning guidelines and information on secondary and micronutrients is not desired.  The cost of this package is $7 per sample.

These new tests, interpretations and recommendations are part of the new DNR turf technical standards for NR 151. The NR 151 regulations will apply to fertilized turf areas of 5 acres or more under single ownership. Starting on March 10, 2008, phosphorus may only be applied to these areas if a need is indicated by a soil test. 

A sample submission form for the Professionally Managed Turf and Turf Nutrient Management Plan options can be downloaded from http://uwlab.soils.wisc.edu/madison/sheets.htm.  Please visit our website http://uwlab.soils.wisc.edu or contact the lab (608-262-4364) to obtain more information.