Soil Testing
By choosing a soil testing method that replicates a plants access to soluble nutrients and by fine tuning it through years of field testing, Dr Carey Reams created a road map to plant health via healthy soil and balanced fertility. Grass, perennials, shrubs, trees or vegetables grown in such conditions can achieve their maximum potential naturally.
What is tested for and why.
Calcium
Calcium is critical in a biological approach to soil health due to its role in generating energy in the soil when it interacts with other nutrients. Calcium is used more than than any other mineral in nature and is the nutrient that is most often lacking, in an available form, in tested soil.
Low available calcium will lead to poor plant performance and fruits and vegetables that are low in nutrient value.Calcium is also important for the health of the soil food web and for maintaining good soil structure for optimum air and water movement. It is critical for producing strong stems and leaves in plants and its importance in the production of carbohydrates means its availability effects the sweetness and nutrient density of edibles.
Phosphate
Phosphate is a combination of phosphorous and oxygen. It is critical as a catalyst in photosynthesis and for transporting minerals into the plant in the most suitable form. Nutrients carried into the plant combined with phosphate is a critical factor in achieving high internal mineral content and subsequent vitality. If applied carefully in the right form at the correct time of year phosphate can promote flowering and fruiting without polluting ground water and bodies of water such as the Puget Sound.