Arable crops

20th Aug

With most crops harvested, usually it is the time of year to soil sample. However, this year a) you might snap your spade the ground is that hard and b) we need the soil to be moist to ensure there are accurate nutrient levels and microbial activity – otherwise your results can be skewed.

When soil sampling, consistency is key. Try and sample at a similar time each year with similar conditions if possible – not dry soil one year and waterlogged soil another (unless unavoidable but be aware of how this will impact on the results).

There are a few different types of analysis you can carry out on your soil from Yara Analytical Services (LanCrop). Firstly, there is the Basic which will give you pH, P, K and Mg levels. As the name suggests this is the base level sample, providing minimal information, however still useful for understanding the pH (one of the most important aspects of your soil for nutrient availability).

For more in-depth information there is the Broad-Spectrum (BS) analysis that gives you more nutrients, including micronutrients, CEC and pH. For the full analysis you would want the Broad-Spectrum Extra (BSE) service. This one gives you as above but includes the soil texture classification and Organic Matter.

Finally, there is an additional analysis that you can get if you are interested in your soil biology. The Solvita test as part of Broad-Spectrum Extra Soil Health (BSE SOL), gives you an idea of the health of your soil. Microbes in the soil are measured by the amount of carbon dioxide that is respired from the sample, a low amount suggests a low population, whereas a higher respiration rate suggests a higher microbial population.

Whichever analysis you are intending to use, the main thing is that you utilise the results and get the most out of them. If it’s as basic as correcting your pH or looking at something more complex such as how your soil analysis relates to your grain analysis.