It’s been reported that 75-80% of all plant health issues can actually be traced back to poor soil. That includes diseases, insects, nutrition deficiencies, poor color or growth, and many others.
“Why doesn’t everyone do this?”
People understand and expect to have tests performed when it comes to their own health so offering soil testing in support of their landscapes, gardens or crops is a logical and ‘easy sell.’ In fact, when presented with the concept, many customers ask why soil testing isn’t a standard practice within the Green Industries. Offering soil testing will set your company apart and ahead of your competitors. It is also the absolute first step when trying to implement a more natural and chemical-free PHC program or for organic gardening and farming.
Healthy Soil = Healthy Plants
Soil is a living, breathing, dynamic combination of multiple natural systems including biological, chemical, and physical properties and characteristics. Since these systems are interrelated, any change, good or bad, creates a ripple effect that will positively or negatively impact the overall health of the plants. A good impact could lead to soils that are self-sustaining and specific to the plants growing in that soil. The healthy soil promotes healthy plants which can naturally resist or defend themselves against diseases and insects reducing the need for control applications. Conversely, doing anything that negatively impacts any of the soil systems, short term or long term, will produce plants with reduced beauty and productivity as well as less vigor making them more susceptible to attacks from various pests, general decline, and eventual death.