Soil testing and analysis is used to estimate the fertility of soils and identify deficiencies to help farmers decide the best approach to meeting the nutritional needs of their crops and pastures.
Contact your local Hi Fert dealer for soil test kits.
Answering your questions about soil tests
1. When should I soil sample? Soil is best sampled when the soil is dry, preferably between December and March, yet early enough to provide a worthwhile guide to any decisions regarding a fertilizer purchase.
2.What depth do I sample to? For crops and pastures the top10 cm (4”) should be sampled after surface trash has been removed. Samples taken from different depths will give misleading results due to factors of concentration or dilution.
3. How many samples do I take? One sample per paddock or soil type, however to achieve that sample at least 20 to 30 sub-samples or cores should be taken
4. How do I sample? If you are monitoring long-term fertility trends it is best to select a representative part of the paddock and walk a line across, stopping at regular intervals to take sub-samples or cores. The line you take should be permanently and clearly marked so that you can take future samples from the same area. If you are trying to diagnose a particular problem you need to sample from the part of the paddock that is showing signs of the problem and then take another representative selection by sampling in a zigzag pattern in the non-problem area.
5. Is it best for the farmer to take the samples? Yes. Soils can be extremely variable and the farmer is the best person to know where the variations are. Others don't - so avoid misleading results and collect the samples yourself.
6. What tests are best done by soil analysis? Soil tests are best for analysing organic carbon, available phosphorus and potassium, pH levels, electrical conductivity (a measure of salinity) and field texture. Other nutrients are best assessed by leaf tissue analysis.
7. Where do I get my soil testing kit? Soil testing kits are available from your Hi Fert Dealer. Dealers can also provide an independent testing service and have experienced staff who can help with sampling.
A soil test result on its own cannot provide a definitive answer on the best fertilizer practice. However, in conjunction with other information about the crop and fertilizer history, the soil type and climatic conditions, and the intended use of the paddock, it is possible to decide on a fertilizer program that can improve productivity and profitability.
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