Soil Analysis for Bowling Greens

Soil Analysis for Bowling Greens

With ever increasing financial pressures on sports clubs, our mail order soil analysis service has grown in popularity. This analysis allows the staff and management of clubs to save money by targeting the most suitable products and avoiding guesswork. Used in conjunction with a bespoke treatment plan this allows more control of fertiliser programmes and ultimately improved playing surfaces.

A broad spectrum soil analysis will reveal the exact nutrient content of a soil sample. Once the analysis is complete, the results will be reviewed and interpreted by our in-house fertiliser experts who will produce a bespoke Fertiliser Treatment Plan, in calendar format, designed to supply the vital nutrients required, but also ensure oversupplied nutrients are not re-applied.

This personalised programme will ultimately balance the soil nutrient profile and produce the best and most resilient, playable turf.

What is the process?

• On placing your order we will send over a soil sample bag(s) and a pre-paid envelope
• Take a number of soil samples from different areas of your bowling green, until the bag is half full
• Post back your soil to the laboratory in the pre-paid envelope for analysis
• Results are generally available in around 10 working days after posting to the laboratory
• If you would like your results interpreted by one of our FACTS qualified technical advisors, please get in touch via email or phone to request this.

Note: Please include the white A5 sheet supplied in with your soil sample. The invoice is for your records. Unfortunately without the white A5 sheet, the laboratory cannot process your analysis.

How to carry out a soil analysis:

• Take a number of small soil samples from multiple locations at approximately 5-10cm deep (grass rooting level)
• Sampling in a W shape will give a good overall analysis of the area
• Make sure that you fill the bag until it's half full - if you don't have enough soil the laboratory will not be able to run the full tests
• Do not sample any soil within 3 - 5 days after being sprayed with pesticides or foliar nutrients

Elements reported on include are:

• Phosphate
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Sulphur
• Sodium
• Manganese
• Copper
• Iron
• Zinc
• Molybdenum
• Boron

The soil pH and cation exchange capacity are also indicated. Soil nitrogen levels are accurately predicted using knowledge of soil type and rainfall data available.