Soil Lab Testing & pH Modifiers

At Natural State Horticare, we partnered with Auburn University and the University of Florida in 2025, investing over $32,000 to gather lab-verified data. We sampled and tested every client’s lawn and utilized those results to enhance our already premium fertility program. We can confidently say we offer the most science-backed, comprehensive fertility and soil amendment program in Arkansas.

According to the lab results, 95% of lawns in Central Arkansas are acidic.YIKES!! In light of such compelling data, we concluded that excluding lime from our base program would be inconsistent with our commitment to provide the best service possible.
That’s why Natural State Horticare is transitioning from a base 9-treatment program to a base 10-treatment program that includes lime as a standard service for every client.
We provide a complimentary soil test to every new client at the end of their first season.
We recommend re-testing every 2 years and offer these additional tests for just $35. However, your clients are welcome to test as often as they like for FREE by utilizing the University of Arkansas Extension Service.
Balanced soil properties, such as optimal pH, and sufficient organic matter, are essential for nutrient availability. Imbalances, like extreme pH, can cause nutrient deficiencies or toxicities, impacting plant health.
Plants need both macronutrients and micronutrients for optimal growth. Our lab's in-depth soil analysis identifies soil properties and nutrient levels, providing insights into how these components interact to support healthy crop growth.
Effective soil management hinges on understanding key soil properties, which influence nutrient availability and plant uptake.
- Soil pH & Buffer pH:
  Indicates soil acidity or alkalinity, affecting nutrient availability.
- Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC):
  Measures the soil's ability to hold and exchange nutrients.
- Organic Matter (OM):
  Essential for soil structure and nutrient supply.
- Estimated Nitrogen Release (ENR):
  Estimates nitrogen potentially released from organic matter ratings.
Macronutrients
Needed in larger quantities, which are divided into two groups:
- Primary:
  Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). Required in the highest concentrations, often the first to be depleted in the soil. Fertilization is always needed for one or more nutrients.
- Secondary:
  Calcium (Ca), and Magnesium (Mg). Although essential, these are usually needed in lower quantities than primary macronutrients. Usually sufficient in soil, so fertilization is not always needed
Micronutrients
Essential for plant development and growth but are needed only in trace amounts. These include Boron (B), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), and Zinc (Zn). Despite their low required quantities, they are vital for healthy plant growth.
pH Modifiers
pH recommendations ensure a balanced soil environment for optimal crop growth. pH modifiers adjust levels up or down as needed, improving nutrient availability and absorption.