I finally broke down and bought some STEM from ebay the other day. before I apply it, I want to get a sample to take to the LSU ag center for testing. how should I go about doing this for 7 in ground trees. I assume that my soil is for the most part the same throughout the yard, but they may have gotten different amounts for fertilizer through the years. would it make more sense to take mature leaves of one tree, or each tree, or young leaves, the best tree, worst tree, oldest, youngest or what. which will give the best idea of how my trees are doing overall. I only want to send one sample, I really cant afford to test each tree separate. which test should I get, im thinking the routine plus C and N, unless theres a reason I should need the environmental package. I know its only 4 bucks more but waste is waste...
AgRoutine Metals Package (P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Al, and Na) ............................................($8.00/sample)
Nitrogen Test (Total Nitrogen)...($8.00/sample)
AgRoutine Metals Package plus Nitrogen ... ($12.00/sample)
AgRoutine Metals Package plus Carbon and Nitrogen ................................................................................. ($14.00/sample)
Environmental Package (AgRoutine Metals plus Pb, Cd, As, Ni, Cr, Se, Co, and Si) ...................................... ($12.00/sample)
Environmental Package plus Nitrogen ... ($16.00/sample)
Environmental Package plus Carbon and Nitrogen ...................................................................................... ($18.00/sample)
Total Carbon and Nitrogen (Total Carbon and Nitrogen) ................................................................................. ($10.00/sample)
im going to do a search for the best way to apply the STEM but if anybody has anything to add about that im all ears