Email this page
Print this PageTo contact one of our “Forage for Profit” team, call the Seed Office on 01769 576232
or Graham Ragg on 07798 583667 or email info@molevalleyfarmers.com.
Soil Testing
The principal objective of soil testing is to make you more money
We are all familiar with providing a balanced ration to maximise animal growth or milk production. This ideally starts with a silage analysis which is then used to source and supply supplementary feeds to ensure the desired yield from our animals.
We should follow the same principles with our soils to ensure maximum return from our investment in forage crops. This starts with a soil test.
Utilising what you apply
- Soil tests
Soil testing can increase your profit by identifying acidic fields where low pH results in inefficient fertilizer use and limits your yields. The graph below shows the dramatic effect of pH on the major nutrients’ availability.
- Reducing inputs
The test may reveal that your soils have adequate levels of some nutrients and that you can reach optimum yields with less fertiliser, enabling you to reduce, or not apply, those nutrients in surplus.
- Reaching the crop’s potential
Soil testing can help by identifying fields that have low fertility and need more fertiliser than you normally apply. Your potential yield increase can far outweigh the cost of the fertiliser you should apply. Nitrogen recommendations for growing crops assume that ALL other macro nutrients are available at levels which can support the crops potential. For example if there is only 80% of the phosphate needed to reach potential yield, under your current fertiliser regime you could be wasting 20% of your Nitrogen.
The element which is in shortest supply (in this case K) limits the yield
- Assess the nutrients you apply
By responding to the analysis and applying more of any deficient nutrients and none of any in surplus, you may keep your input costs about the same, but dramatically increase your fertiliser efficiency and yield. Considering the four points above, the chance of successfully fertilising a crop without a soil test are at best 25%.
Sampling
As with most things the results are only as good as the sample. So it is imperative that these are collected to ensure a representative result for the field and the crop being grown. A guide on how to take soil samples is available from Mole Valley Forage Services. Fields should be tested on a five year basis.
Full vs basic test
Historically we have focused on pH, P and K analysis, which are undoubtedly vital to ensure good crop growth. This was mainly due to a cost and inaccurate results of the other major elements, and to a certain extent a lack of research evidence as to their effect on plant growth. Our understanding of plant nutrient interactions has increased and cost is no longer prohibitive. To get the most from your soil test, it is advisable for it to look at:
- All major nutrients
- Trace elements
- Organic matter content
- Cation exchange capacity
Recommendations
When a soil test comes back, the minimum that should be done is to change/adjust management practice to allow for the results. It is advisable to use a F.A.C.T.S qualified specialist as some low nutrient availabilities can be due to antagonisms, and applications of lacking nutrients may not be effective. See page 12 for our offers on soil testing and grass seeds.
For more information on soil tests and advice on fertiliser choice, timings and recommendations please contact your local Forage specialist or the fertiliser helpline on 0845 603 1210.
| Analysis | Result | Guideline | Interpretation | Comments |
| pH | 5.2 | 6.5 | Low | Reduction in availability of Major Nutrients |
| Phosphorous (ppm) | 9 | 26 | Very low | (Index 0.9) |
| Potasium (ppm) | 147 | 121 | Normal | (Index 2.2) |
| Calcium (ppm) | 1783 | 2000 | Slightly low | Consider treatment to maximise calcium and major nutrient availability |
| Magnesium (ppm) | 205 | 176 | Normal | (Index 4.3) |
| Sulphur (ppm) | 7 | 10 | Low | Consider treatment for optimum grass growth |
| Sodium (ppm) | 37 | 90 | Very low | PRIORITY FOR LIVESTOCK HEALTH |
| Zinc (ppm) | 5.5 | 7.0 | Slightly low | PRIORITY FOR LIVESTOCK HEALTH |
| Manganese (ppm) | 26.0 | 5.0 | Normal | Adequate level |
| Molybdenum (ppm) | 0.04 | <0.50 | Normal | No problems anticipated |
| Copper (ppm) | 1.7 | 8 | Very low | PRIORITY FOR LIVESTOCK HEALTH |
| Boron (ppm) | 1.26 | 0.5 | Normal | Adequate level |
| Cobalt (ppm) | 2.2 | 1.5 | Normal | Adequate level |
| Iodine (ppm) | 0.6 | 1.5 | Very low | PRIORITY FOR LIVESTOCK HEALTH |
| Iron (ppm) | 1221 | 50 | Normal | Adequate level |
| CEC (meq/100g) | 18.4 | 15.0 | Normal | Cation Exchange Capacity indicates a soil with a good nutrient holding ability |
| Organic Matter (%) | 8.9 | 3.0 | High | Humose soil, Above 16% peaty soil |
For website enquiries and online orders phone 
