“Take a soil test first” is the number one rule of proper turf maintenance.

“Take a soil test first” is the number one rule of proper turf maintenance.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Always

Answer: (B)

Soil testing is a powerful tool because it reveals the soil’s pH and nutrient levels, letting you tailor lime, phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrients to what the turf actually needs. This leads to healthier turf, avoids waste, and reduces environmental impact. But calling it the number one rule implies it’s always the single most important step in every situation, which isn’t accurate. Turf maintenance rests on a set of important practices that must be prioritized based on site conditions—mowing height appropriate for the turf, proper irrigation, adequate drainage and soil structure, aeration, and timely weed, pest, and disease management. In some cases, such as severely compacted or poorly drained sites, addressing those physical factors might come first, with soil testing guiding nutrient management once the turf is in a better condition. Because of this, the statement isn’t universally true, even though soil testing should be a fundamental part of any maintenance plan.

Soil testing is a powerful tool because it reveals the soil’s pH and nutrient levels, letting you tailor lime, phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrients to what the turf actually needs. This leads to healthier turf, avoids waste, and reduces environmental impact. But calling it the number one rule implies it’s always the single most important step in every situation, which isn’t accurate. Turf maintenance rests on a set of important practices that must be prioritized based on site conditions—mowing height appropriate for the turf, proper irrigation, adequate drainage and soil structure, aeration, and timely weed, pest, and disease management. In some cases, such as severely compacted or poorly drained sites, addressing those physical factors might come first, with soil testing guiding nutrient management once the turf is in a better condition. Because of this, the statement isn’t universally true, even though soil testing should be a fundamental part of any maintenance plan.