It does not leach, but can move during erosion. Soil lost during erosion can also be very damaging to our water supplies and the Bay. Before applying fertilizer to the garden, it is best to test the soil. Soil test forms can be obtained from your local Extension agent. The soil test will tell you the level of nutrients in the soil and the pH of the soil.
Nutrients become unavailable to plants if the pH is above or below a certain range.
Most vegetables do best between pH 5.8 and 6.8, allowing the optimum uptake of all nutrients, but especially the micronutrients that are essential even though only small amounts are needed. If the pH is too low, the addition of lime may be necessary. Along with the soil test results, the Extension Service provides recommendations for needed additions of lime and fertilizer. Vegetables can be grouped into three categories according to their fertilizer requirements. Heavy feeders, such as sweet corn, lettuce, and broccoli, will require more fertilizer than medium feeders, such as beans and spinach.