For more information, contact UF/IFAS Marion County Extension Service at 352-671-8400. 

Types of soil tests

In-house Master Gardener pH soil testing

Sometimes adding a non-nutrient-based fertilizer such as lime is all a yard needs to green up. This test will tell you if your soil’s pH only needs a little adjustment, which is typically less costly and better for the environment. 

UF/IFAS Extension Laboratory soil testing

This test will provide more in-depth information. You can opt to receive a “pH and Lime Requirement Test” with recommendations of how much lime to apply, or a “Soil Fertility Test”, which provides analysis for six nutrients to give more information about exactly what your yard needs.

Lawn maintenance tips

• Use a mulching mower. This allows cut grass to be recycled and used as fertilizer.
• Blow clippings back into the lawn, not the street.
• Add lawn clippings and leaves to your compost pile. Compost is one of nature’s best mulches and soil amendment and can be used in landscaped areas around the home.

Fertilizer basics

• Select slow-release fertilizers; they are kinder to the environment and usually more cost-effective. Also, select fertilizers that are low in phosphorus (P), as most Marion County soils have plenty of it.
• Fertilizers can’t fix problems caused by incorrect soil acidity. Conduct a soil test to make sure you are selecting plants appropriate for your soil conditions and determine fertilizer needs of plants.
• Buy fertilizers formulated for the plants you want to fertilize. When selecting fertilizer, look at the three numbers on the bag (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium). Nitrogen and phosphorus can pollute water.
• Follow instructions on the product bag. Apply only the minimum amount of fertilizer needed.
• Do not apply fertilizer prior to a rain event. Too much water will wash away the chemicals. These could end up in a nearby river, lake or spring.
• Clean up any fertilizer that spills on sidewalks or roadways.
• When spreading, consider using a drop spreader. It provides better control than a rotary spreader, which flings particles over a distance.
• If hiring a fertilizer service provider, verify that the applicator is licensed.

Do not apply fertilizer within:

• 100 feet of the edge of a sinkhole
• 75 feet of the ordinary high water line any natural water body, including rivers, lakes, and springs.
• 15 feet of the top of the bank of a retention area, canal or wetland.

Southwest Florida Water Management District

www.swfwmd.state.fl.us

St. Johns River Water Management District

www.sjrwmd.com

Withlacochee River Water Supply Authority

www.wrwsa.org/

UF/IFAS Marion County Extension Service

www.marionfl.org/extensionservice