urban nutrient management robert habel urban nutrient management specialist

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Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

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Page 1: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Urban Nutrient Management

Robert HabelUrban Nutrient Management Specialist

Page 2: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

The Ultimate Goal of The Ultimate Goal of

The Virginia DCR’sThe Virginia DCR’s

Nutrient Nutrient ManagementManagement Programs are Programs are

Improving Virginia’s Water QualityImproving Virginia’s Water Quality

andand

PROTECTING THE CHESAPEAKE BAY!!PROTECTING THE CHESAPEAKE BAY!!

Page 3: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

• The United State’s Largest EstuaryThe United State’s Largest Estuary– Estuaries form a transition zone between river Estuaries form a transition zone between river

environments and ocean environments and are environments and ocean environments and are subject to both marine influences, such as tides, subject to both marine influences, such as tides, waves, and the influx of saline water; and riverine waves, and the influx of saline water; and riverine influences, such as flows of fresh water and influences, such as flows of fresh water and sediment. sediment.

– Estuaries are among the most productive natural Estuaries are among the most productive natural habitats in the world habitats in the world

• A Driving Force of the Virginia EconomyA Driving Force of the Virginia Economy– Produces 45,000 Tons of Seafood YearlyProduces 45,000 Tons of Seafood Yearly– Major Tourism AttractionMajor Tourism Attraction

THE BAYTHE BAY

Page 4: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

THE BAY

•About 200 Miles LongAbout 200 Miles Long•Averages 21 ft DeepAverages 21 ft Deep•50 Major Tributaries 50 Major Tributaries pour into the bay dailypour into the bay daily•Averages 15 trillion Averages 15 trillion gallons of watergallons of water•300 Species of fish300 Species of fish•2700 Species of plants2700 Species of plantsRichmond

D.C.

Norfolk

Baltimore

Philadelphia

Page 5: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

2008 Bay Health Report

100% Health/Production Based on 1600’s Exploration Narratives from

Captain John Smith

Page 6: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

2008 Bay Health Report

According to Smith “Pristine, clear waters revealed vast meadows of underwater grasses and massive colonies of oysters and Fishes.”

Page 7: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

2008 Bay Health Report

2008 Value Shows the Bay at 28% Health“Dangerously Out of Balance”

Page 8: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist
Page 9: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

2008 Bay Health Report

• Based on 3 factors– Fisheries

Page 10: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

2008 Bay Health Report

• Based on 3 factors– Fisheries– Habitat

Page 11: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

2008 Bay Health Report

• Based on 3 factors– Fisheries– Habitat– Pollution

Page 12: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Primary Pollutants

• Nitrogen and Phosphorus are the “Limiting Factor” to Achieving Bay Health

• Limiting Factor:  anything that tends to make it more difficult for a species to live and grow, or reproduce in its environment

• All other health score areas are affected by excess nutrients

Page 13: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

How Do Excess Nutrients How Do Excess Nutrients Affect Water Quality?Affect Water Quality?

• They fuel the growth of dense algae They fuel the growth of dense algae blooms in surface waters:blooms in surface waters:– Block sunlight that underwater grasses need Block sunlight that underwater grasses need

to grow. to grow. – Rob the water of oxygen, which fish and Rob the water of oxygen, which fish and

bottom-dwelling species need to survive.bottom-dwelling species need to survive.

Page 14: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

How Do Excess Nutrients Affect Water Quality?

• Contaminate Drinking Water Sources– Consumption of high nitrogen drinking water

is dangerous– EPA Standard 10ppm Nitrates

Page 15: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Primary Pollutants

Progress is being made with Point Sources• A point source of pollution is a single

identifiable localized source– State Of The Art Sewage Treatment Plants

– Agricultural Conservation Practices– Storm Water Management Practices

– Factory Discharge Regulations

Page 16: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

More Must Be Done To AchievePollution Reduction Goals

•Nonpoint source pollution is from many different indistinguishable

sources with no specific solution to rectify the problem

– Agricultural Runoff– Urban Runoff

Page 17: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Watershed - area of land where water from rain

and melting snow or ice is funneled

into a body of water

•64 Million Square Miles•17 Million People•150 Major Rivers

•100,000 Tributaries

BAY WATERSHED

Page 18: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist
Page 19: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

BAY WATERSHED

60% of Virginia Drains into the Bay

Page 20: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

www.epa.gov

Cities, parking lots, roads, neighborhoods etc…

Page 21: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Think of The Bay as a Tree and the Creeks, Streams, and Rivers as Roots

Healthy Roots = Healthy Tree

Impaired Waters

Page 22: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Impaired Waters

In Order to have a Healthy Bay We First Need to have Healthy

Creeks, Streams and Rivers

Page 23: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Impaired Waters

While most Legislation and Policy deal directly with the Health of

The Chesapeake BayLocal Waters are Improved as Well.

Page 24: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Urban Nutrient Sources

• Individual Homes• Housing Developments • Parks and Sports Fields• Shopping Malls• Golf Courses• Sod Farms and Nurseries• Paved Areas

Page 25: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Urban Nutrient Sources

• Yard Waste• Car Waste• Animal Waste• Deicing Products• Fertilizers

Page 26: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Nutrient Fate in the Environment

• Used by Plants• Removed with Plant Waste• Held by Micro-organisms• Denitrification • Volatilization • Leaching• Runoff

Page 27: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Microorganisms

Leaching

DenitrificationVolatilization Plant Removal

Ground Water

SurfaceWater

RunoffNutrients

Nutrient Loss Pathways

Page 28: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Management Practices to Limit Nutrients in Urban Runoff

Yard Waste – organic matter decay creates large amounts of nutrients– Sweep/Collect yard debris from streets,

walks, and driveways– Dispose of debris in a properly placed and

maintained compost pile or curbside pick up• Use compost instead of fertilizer

– Use a mulching mower to return grass clippings and their nutrients to the lawn• Clippings account for up to 1#N-P-K/year/1000FT2

Page 29: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Management Practices to Limit Nutrients in Urban Runoff

Car waste – car fluids, exhaust and cleaning products contain nutrients– Maintain vehicles (and yard equipment) to

prevent leaks and minimize emissions– Immediately and thoroughly clean up spills– Wash vehicles on the lawn or at a car wash

with environmentally friendly products– Collect spent fluids, oils, solvents etc. and

dispose of properly

Page 30: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Management Practices to Limit Nutrients in Urban Runoff

Animal waste – Dogs produce 275lbs of waste a year

– Contains excess nutrients and bacteria

• Always pick up after your pet and dispose of the waste properly

• Seal it in a plastic bag and throw it away• Don’t flush waste down the toilet• Composting systems available

– 1 Goose Produces 1lb of nitrogen a year

Page 31: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Management Practices to Limit Nutrients in Urban Runoff

Deicers – contain nutrients– DO NOT USE FERTILIZER AS AN ICE MELT– Prevent continual thaw/freeze events on

impervious surfaces• Clear snow from drains• Shovel snow to lower side of drives and walks

– Use alternatives to chemicals such as sand or kitty litter to provide traction

Page 32: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Management Practices to Limit Nutrients in Urban Runoff

Irrigation – Improper irrigation can lead to leaching/runoff– Irrigate at lower more frequent rates

• 2-3 .5 inch irrigation cycles a week • .5 inch plus irrigation events push nutrients past

rooting zone and create runoff

– Select low-water-use turfgrasses, groundcovers, shrubs and trees

– Limit traffic to minimize compaction and wear– Invest in a rain sensor for irrigation system

Page 33: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Management Practices to Limit Nutrients in Urban Runoff

Soil Compaction – compacted soils lead to runoff and leaching– Reduced soil pore space = Less Rooting =

Decreased N uptake by plant = Leaching– Hard pan areas reduce infiltration rates

increasing runoff• Monitor Soil Compaction• Vary method/depth of aeration practices

– Especially in high traffic areas

Page 34: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Management Practices to Limit Nutrients in Urban Runoff

Fertilizer Excess or misapplied fertilizer runs off

before it can be incorporated into the soil or absorbed by plants.

Responsible fertilizer use reduces the potential for high nutrient content in

urban runoff.

Page 35: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

What’s in the bag?

N = Nitrogen: •critical component of proteins, chlorophyll molecules •green up•too much and improperly timed N causes excessive top growth

P = Phosphorus •used in fall for root growth•component of DNA, RNA, photosynthesis

K= Potassium •used all year •involved in heat/cold tolerance, •disease resistance & other stresses

Page 36: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

What’s in the bag?

Fertilizer Analysis – Percent Nutrient by weight

•32% N of a 50lb bag of fertilizer would be 16lb N/50lb bag or 32lb N/100lb of fertilizer

•0% P means there is no P in the bag

•10% K of a 50lb bag of fertilizer would be 5lb K/50lb bag or 10lb K/100lb of fertilizer

Fertilizers come in Multiple Ratios

Complete Fertilizers •Contain N-P-K•2:1:1, 3:1:1, 4:1:2, etc

Balanced Fertilizer•1:1:1 Ratio or a 10-10-10 Product

Incomplete Fertilizer•One or more nutrient is not present

High Analysis Fertilizer•One Nutrient is present in excess of 30%

Page 37: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Basic Criteria and BMPs

1. Fertility Program Weighted Towards Fall• Nutrients Can Be Applied Spring And Summer As

Long As Proper Frost Dates And Rates Are Followed• Cool Season Grasses - Six Weeks Prior To The

Last Spring Average Killing Frost Date And Ends Six Weeks Past The First Fall Average Killing Frost Date

• Warm Season Grasses - No Earlier Than The Last Spring Average Killing Frost Date, And Ends No Later Than One Month Prior To The First Fall Average Killing Frost Date

Page 38: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Basic Criteria and BMPs

2. Per Application Nitrogen Limit• 1 #N/1000 FT2/30day Period • .75 #N/1000 FT2/30day Period On Sandy Soil

3. Yearly Total Nitrogen (100% Water Soluble)• 3.5 #N/1000FT2/Year Cool Season• 4 #N/1000FT2/Year Warm Season

4. Use Of Slowly Available Forms Of Nitrogen• Maximum Rates Using 50% Or Greater Insoluble N

• 5.0 #N/1000 FT2 For Cool Season Grasses• 5.5 #N/1000 FT2 For Warm Season Grasses• 1.5 # N/1000 FT2 per Application with 50% Slow Release

Page 39: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

CALIBRATE YOUR SPREADER!!!

• Every Product Is Different• Every Spreader Is Different • DO NOT GO BY THE BAGS

RECOMMENDATIONS• Taking The Time To Calibrate

– Saves Money– Reduces Waste

– Ensures Proper Nutrient Application

Page 40: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Basic Criteria and BMPs

5. Return Grass Clippings Where Possible– P And K Levels Remain Near Constant

6. Use Iron To Promote Greening7. Base Phosphorus And Potassium Applications

On Soil Test Results8. Do Not Apply Nutrients To Impervious

Surfaces• Clean Up After Applications• Do Not Use Fertilizer As Ice Melt

9. Use Lime To Balance Ph To Acceptable Levels– No More Than 50lbs/1000ft2/30 Days

Page 41: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist
Page 42: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Basic Criteria and BMPs10. Follow Proper Turf Establishment Methods11. Soil Test Every 3 Years 12. Follow Proper Mowing Techniques

• Remove Only 1/3 Blade Height• Keep Blades Sharp• Mow Dry To Ensure Good Clipping Dispersal

13. Use Proper Mowing Height• Follow Recommendations For Your Grass Variety

14. For Ornamentals and landscape plants refer to Virginia Cooperative Extension Recommendations for specific Plant Species

Page 43: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

These criteria and BMP’s apply both to NMP and WQA

They are derived from DCR’s “Standards and Criteria”

found at our website,“Nutrient Management Training and

Certification Regulations” and

“Turf and Landscape: Nutrient Management Handbook”

which is in publication.

Page 44: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

• Nutrient Management Plans – Certified Nutrient Management planner

Training

• Water Quality Agreements

Virginia DCR’s

Voluntary Turf and Landscape

Nutrient Management Programs

Page 45: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

• Reduces Surface Nutrient Runoff– Nutrients Applied with Correct Timing in

Relation to Weather Patterns and Plant Growth

– Nutrients are not Applied to Impervious Surfaces

• Limits Ground Water Leaching– Nitrogen Applied According to Plant Need– P and K Applied According to Soil Test

• Controls Soil Erosion– Healthy Plants Hold Soil in Place

Proper Urban Nutrient Management

Page 46: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Nutrient Management Plans• Detailed, Soil Test Backed, Nutrient Application

Guides For The Facility Manager To Follow• Purpose

– Ensure Plants Have Optimum Nutrient Availability

– Ensure Minimum Movement Of Nitrogen And Phosphorus Away From Applied Areas

• For Any Property Managing Turf & Landscapes• Prepared By Certified planners

– planners Can Work For The Facility– “For Hire” planners Listed On DCR Website

• Currently There are 65 Planners – 30 “For Hire”• DCR Approves Plans • Plans are Renewed Every 3 Years

Page 47: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

NM planner Certification Training

• 4 Days Of Training• Session One: 2 Days On Basic Soils, Soil Fertility

And Turfgrass Production• Session Two: 2 Days On NMP Writing• $80 Dollars Per Session• $100 For Testing And 2 Years Of Certification • Generally Training Sessions Are A Week Apart

And Testing Occurs 1 Month After Training• Education And Experience Waiver Available To

Bypass Training• Certification Renewed by Writing Plans and

Continuing Education Courses

Page 48: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Water Quality Agreements

• Developed Specifically For Lawn Companies• General, Site Unspecific, Nutrient Management

Plan for Turf and Landscape• No Soil Tests Required, But They Are

Recommended For Every Site• DCR Works With Lawn Care Companies To

Adapt Their Fertility Programs To DCR’s Standards

• Ideally, Lawn Services would have CNMPs on staff to write plans for larger properties

Page 49: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

• CNMPW are Surveyed Yearly – Acres Planed Per Watershed Code– Average #N/1000FT2 Per Watershed Code

• WQA Participants are Surveyed Yearly– Acres Maintained Per County– Average #N/1000FT2 Per County

Nutrient Application Reporting

Page 50: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Why is Reporting Necessary?

• Environmental Protection Agency Program

• Computer Mathematically Simulates Leaching, Runoff and Erosion Using

– Assumed Fertility Rates– Land Use Data– Weather Data

• Reduction Credits Given for NMP Acres− Reduces Assumed Fertility Values

Chesapeake Bay Model

Page 51: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

• There are an Estimated 2.5 Million Acres of Maintained Urban Landscape in VA

• By 2017 97% of this Area Needs to be Under NMPs to meet EPA Nutrient Reduction Goals

– Currently There are 22,000 Acres Managed Under Nutrient Management Plans or 1%

Chesapeake Bay Model

Page 52: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Nutrient application reporting remains VOLUNTARY

as long as the EPA is satisfied with the state’s continuing progress

in reducing nutrients in our waters.

Your participation will help to keep these programs

STATE CONTROLLED and VOLUNTARY.

Page 53: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

• Chesapeake Bay Program• Aimed at the Average Homeowner• Approaches Conservation from the

Seafood Consumers Point of View• Participants Pledge to Fertilize Lawns

Only in the Fall• “Fine Print” Allows for Spring and

Summer Fertilization of Warm Season Grasses

• Also have a Program Similar to WQA’s for Lawn Services

Chesapeake Club

Page 54: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist
Page 55: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist
Page 56: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist
Page 57: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist
Page 58: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist
Page 59: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

If you have questions or would like more information please contact me @

[email protected] (Office)

DCR’s Websitewww.dcr.virginia.gov/soil_and_water/nutmgt

Data and Graphic Sources: EPA, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Chesapeake Bay Program, Virginia DEQ, Virginia DCR

Page 60: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

How much do I use?

• Fertility applications are based on N

• Max allowed application of N is 1lb/1000FT2

• Determine how many pounds of product are needed to get 1lb of N

Page 61: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

How much do I use?

16Lbs N 1 Lb N

100 Lbs X

16X = 100 (1)

X = 100/16

X = 6.25Lbs Product to Achieve 1lb N

=

Page 62: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

How much do I use?

32Lbs N 1 Lb N

100 Lbs X

32X = 100 (1)

X = 100/32

X = 3.125 Lbs Product to Achieve 1lb N

=

Page 63: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

How big an area do I want to fertilize?

• It is important to know how large an area is in order to properly purchase and apply fertilizers

• Use basic Geometry to Determine Area• Divide large or oddly shaped areas to

more easily determine the area

Page 64: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

How big an area do I want to fertilize?

30

10

Squares and Rectangles• Length X Width = Area• 30 X 10 = 300 FT2

Triangles• .5 X Base X Height = Area• .5 X 10 X 30 = 150 FT2

Circles• 3.14 X R2 = Area• 3.14 X (20 X 20) = 1256 FT2

30

10

20

Page 65: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

How big an area do I want to fertilize?

A

Irregular Shapes• Area = Part A+B+C+D• A = 50 X 30 =1500• B = 25 X 15 =375• C = 65 X 25 X .5 = 813• D = 40 X 10 X .5 = 200• Total Area = 2,888 FT2

D

C

B

Page 66: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

How big an area do I want to fertilize?

How do I measure my yard?

• Lot = 125 x 100 = 12500• Subtract Total = 2143

– House 44 X 26 = 1144– Deck 12 X 12 = 144– Drive 40 X 10 = 400– Garden 25 X 15 = 375– Walk 4 x 20 = 80

• Remainder/Yard = 10,357

Page 67: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

How much do I use?

• 10357 FT2 Yard• 3.125 Lbs/1000 FT2 Product to

Achieve 1lb N/1000 FT2 • 10.357 X 3.125 = 33 lbs• 33lb = purchasing 1 50 LB Bag

Page 68: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Drop Spreaders• Most Accurate• Requires more

effort due to lack of coverage width

• Ideal for edging impervious surfaces, water or ornamental beds

How do I apply?

Page 69: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Calibrate the Spreader to Spread the Correct Rate

• On drop spreader attach a V-shaped or box shaped trough at the bottom of the spreader to catch the fertilizer

• Set the spreader at the manufacturer’s suggested setting and push spreader over a 100 sq. ft. area

Page 70: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Travel Distance

• If the spreader is:1.5 ft. wide – go forward 66.6. ft.2 ft. wide – go forward 50 ft.3 ft. wide – go forward 33.3 ft.• Weigh the material and multiply x 10 = Amount to apply per 1000 sq. ft.• Adjust spreader repeating process until

proper rate is reached

Page 71: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Broadcast Spreader

• Least Accurate• Spread Accuracy

Affected by wind• Covers large areas

quickly• Can be equipped with

shield for edging

Page 72: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Calibrate Broadcast Spreader• Apply a small amount of fertilizer to an area of

grass or a clean impervious surface in order to measure width of spread.

• Determine length of walk in order to cover 1000 sq feet. – 10 FT Spread Pattern = 100 FT Test Path

• Attach Catch Pan to Spreader • Set Spreader to manufactures suggested

setting for rate desired• Walk Test Path and the Weigh fertilizer

collected • Repeat Until Weight = Rate

Page 73: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Exercise Method of Application• Break Yard into Several Small Areas• Measure these areas and then calculate

fertilizer needed for area• Weigh out Fertilizer and put in spreader• Set Spreader at a very low rate • Walk Area Uniformly until all Fertilizer is

Spread on Designated Area• Repeat for each area of Lawn• Works with both kinds of spreaders as

well as hand held crank style spreaders for flower beds, etc.

Page 74: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist
Page 75: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Soil Testing• Soil Test Kits are available at

your local Virginia Cooperative Extension Office

• Tests are completed by Virginia Tech and cost $10 per sample

• Other retail kits are available but cost significantly more that those done at VT

Page 76: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Soil Testing

• Follow Instructions Provided with Kit• Fill out enclosed form, accuracy in

reporting helps ensure accurate results• Mail sample to VT for Testing• Receive Results and Recommendations

for the specific species grown

Page 77: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Soil Testing• The accuracy of the soil test is a reflection of

the soil sample• Take at least random 10 Samples using a

stainless steel or chrome plated shovel or soil probe

• Avoid areas around the boarder, compost piles or areas managed differently

• Place samples in a clean plastic bucket, mix thoroughly then fill the sample box with the mixed soil

• Be careful to not contaminate the sample with excess organic matter or with soil from other samples

Page 78: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Soil Testing

Page 79: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

Soil Testing

• N applications are based on plant need• Follow soil test results for Lime, P, K and

micronutrient applications

Page 80: Urban Nutrient Management Robert Habel Urban Nutrient Management Specialist

If you have questions or would like more information please contact me @

[email protected] (Office)

DCR’s Websitewww.dcr.virginia.gov/soil_and_water/nutmgt

Data and Graphic Sources: EPA, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Chesapeake Bay Program, Virginia DEQ, Virginia DCR