How to Put Selenium in Soil

Selenium has been increasingly recognized since the last decades of the 20th century as a vital mineral; if this mineral is lacking, the health of humans and animals is negatively affected. Selenium naturally occurs in soils, but only a few areas in the United States -- such as the Great Plains states and southwestern states -- have large quantities. Most plants readily take up selenium with other nutrients, and animals and people that eat these plants have enough quantities in their diet to provide the necessary benefits. Adding selenium if your soil is deficient is an easy process.

Things You'll Need

• Phosphorus test kit
• Phosphate fertilizer
• Rototiller

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Test the soil for its phosphorus level. Test kits are available at home and garden stores.

   • 2

     Add a phosphate fertilizer to the garden soil and rototill it in, if the test shows a phosphorus deficiency. Phosphate fertilizer is made from ground rock, which has natural amounts of selenium. If the soil has adequate amounts of phosphorus, it probably has an adequate amount of selenium.

   • 3

     Test each year for phosphorus. Selenium drains from the soil under heavy rain, and your soil might need replenishment.