Ornamental Horticulture Facts. The Cooperative Extension Service. Very few nursery operators regularly monitor the nutritional status of their container-grown plants. Two simple tests that can be performed at the nursery are pH and soluble salts measurements.
Reliable instruments are now available in a price range that most any nursery operator can afford.
The University of Georgia Soil Testing and Plant Analysis Lab in Athens uses the saturation extraction method developed at Michigan State University. The results of the VTEM method should be compared to previous results before full-scale implementation. The container to be tested is placed on a pvc ring or other suitable material to elevate the bottom of the container above the collection vessel. For bedding plants, use 5 to 10 ml per cell. Five minutes will be sufficient time for leachate to drain from the container medium for collection.