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The more you learn about your soil, the better. If you are aware of what kind of soil you have, you can make more informed decisions about how to maintain your lawn and garden to be of a healthy standard.

Why is soil important?

Healthy soils are integral for healthy plant growth, water filtration and human nutrition. Healthy soil supports a landscape that is more resilient to the effects of drought, fire or flood. Soil assists in regulating the earth’s climate and stores more carbon than all of the world’s forests combined. Healthy soils are are at the core to our survival. Materials in the Raw offers a wide range of soils and landscaping supplies to ensure your garden are kept as healthy as possible.

Why should I test my soil?

Healthy soil is the key to achieving a lush, green lawn. It is impossible to understand what your soil requires without doing a soil test. Levels of pH, organic matter and nutrients all effect plant growth. A soil test will save you time and money by revealing you what your soil requires.

What is a soil test?

A soil test is a simple and inexpensive way to determine your soil’s level of nutrients, organic matter and pH. Testing your soil is an important step for a natural approach to lawn care. There is no way to know what your lawn needs without completing one.

What will a soil test tell me?

- The amount of organic matter

- Soil pH

- Lime and fertilizer needs

- Levels of nutrients including phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S)

- If there is lead contamination

Test results will assist in you deciding what your lawn needs. For example, nutrient levels that are too low will reduce plant growth, and levels that are too high can pollute our waterways and may inhibit plant growth. Low pH results in acidic conditions and high pH indicates alkaline conditions. If the pH is too high, your grass cannot adequately absorb its required nutrients. Ideal pH should be between 6.5-7.0, slightly acidic. Adding compost can organically correct your pH.

When and how should I test my soil?

A soil test should be completed at least every three years and prior to you deciding to add any lime or fertiliser to your lawn. The ideal time of year to test your soil is mid to late spring or early autumn. Completing a soil test is also a great way to get out into the garden to check up on anything else that might need maintenance.

How do I collect a soil sample?

- Using a clean spade or trowel, take several samples in different locations on your lawn. Try to remove any large leaves, roots, and sticks from your sample.

- Mix the samples in a clean container.

- Label the sample box with your name, address, and sample identification (e.g. front lawn) and fill with soil. If you are sending multiple samples, each must be placed in a separate sample box.

- Complete the form that came with your soil kit (Note: the crop code for existing lawns is 201; the crop code for new lawns is 211). The form will accommodate up to 10 samples. Remove the top copy and send to the lab with your sample; keep the remaining copies for your records.

- Place the sample box(es), form, and payment in a mailing container and send it to the soil testing service at the address on the form. Your results should arrive in two to three weeks.

Why choose Materials In The Raw?

At Materials In The Raw, we value our customers enormously. It is our business goal and mission to assist you to build the best with our wide range of products and commitment to amazing service. Our experienced and passionate team of staff will work with you to ensure you get the job done correctly. All Materials In The Raw employees are trained regularly so they are up to date with the latest products, tips and trends. We are determined to be the benchmark in the industry and we go beyond building materials. Materials In The Raw has a genuine commitment to supporting local communities to maintain their cleanliness and strength.

Materials in the Raw is a well established business that specialises in the supply of landscaping and building materials from multiple locations in the Sydney Metropolitan Area. We care so much about providing quality service to our customers, so please reach out if you want to know more about us or our services! You can do so by simply clicking on this and filling out a contact form. We look forward to hearing from you!