What is the main purpose of soil testing in floriculture?

Soil testing in floriculture primarily serves the purpose of determining nutrient levels and soil health. This process is crucial for understanding the specific nutrient demands of various plants and the existing nutrient content within the soil. By conducting soil tests, growers can identify deficiencies or excesses in essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as secondary and micronutrients, which play vital roles in plant growth and development.

Additionally, soil health indicators obtained from testing can reveal the presence of organic matter, pH levels, and microbial activity, all of which impact the overall growing environment. This information allows horticulturists to make informed decisions about fertilization practices, soil amendments, and overall soil management strategies, ensuring optimal conditions for plant growth.

The other options, while related to plant care, do not capture the primary focus of soil testing. Assessing plant growth rates, evaluating pest presence, and measuring water retention are important aspects of plant health management but do not provide the foundational information regarding nutrient status and soil condition that soil testing is designed to evaluate.