Soil Sampling: what is it and why does it matter?
Our service helps you understand and optimise nutrient levels, pH balance, organic matter content and other factors that influence soil quality.
Soil sampling is the starting point for understanding and improving your soil health and efficient use of nutrients throughout the growing rotation. It will enable you to meet and exceed your yield and income targets.
The current Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) actions for soils are focused on improving soil health, structure, organic matter and biology. Eco Prospects can help you with these SFI actions, including the requirements on soil sampling.
Using the right techniques to manage the composition, fertility and overall health of the soil in a farming system can lead to long-term sustainability and profitability. By investing in soil and nutrient management you can improve crop quality and yield, enhance your planning capabilities, comply with environmental regulations, and access natural or sustainable farming incentives.
Under current industry and law recommendations all soil samples should not be more that 4-5 years old.
Understanding the benefits of soil sampling
By implementing proper soil and nutrient management strategies, farmers can achieve several benefits:
- Accurate, up-to-date information on nutrient and soil health: Soil and nutrient management provides farmers with precise and current data on the nutrient levels and overall health of their land. Armed with this information, they can make informed decisions regarding nutrient, lime, and fertiliser management, and ensure the optimal use of resources.
- Improved soil health, crop quality, and yield: Effective soil and nutrient management practices help improve the overall health of the soil. By maintaining proper nutrient balance, organic matter content, and soil structure, farmers can enhance the soil’s ability to support crop growth. This results in improved crop quality and increased yield potential.
- Enhanced forecasting and planning capabilities: By adopting soil and nutrient management strategies, farmers strengthen their ability to accurately forecast and plan. Having reliable information on soil health and nutrient availability allows them to make more precise decisions regarding planting schedules, fertiliser application, and crop rotation, leading to better productivity.
- Compliance with environmental farming rules: Soil and nutrient management practices often align with environmental farming regulations, such as water quality guidelines and cross-compliance requirements. By implementing these practices, farmers can ensure that their operations adhere to these rules, promoting sustainable and responsible agricultural practices.
- Access to sustainable farming incentives: By implementing these practices, farmers can qualify for various financial incentives, grants, or certification schemes that reward and promote sustainable farming methods.
What does our soil sampling process look like?
We have two options for soil sampling precision GPS testing or whole field sample testing.
We Firstly for the precision GPS testing ,employ GPS technology mounted on a quad bikes to plot the exact locations for taking samples, which enables us to create an accurate history map by consistently sampling at the same points. Gives a comprehensive map of the differenting sample results across the field, high lighting highs and lows of nutrients and thus being able to address these variations with variable application rates of fertiliser or lime. A minimum of 16 cores will be taken from each sample point to ensure a comprehensive map of the field.
The second sampling program is for whole field testing. Using a W-shaped pattern across the field, we collect a minimum of 20 samples is taken to give the whole fields average levels of nutrients and Ph.across each field, covering a wide area.
Once the samples are collected, they are sent to an UAKAS accredited laboratory for analysis. The laboratory offers a comprehensive suite of testing tailored to meet your farm’s specific requirements. This analysis provides valuable insights into nutrient levels, soil composition, and overall health, enabling us to make informed recommendations for nutrient, lime, and fertiliser management.
Expert soil sampling operators and advisers
Our team are fully trained in health and safety practices, testing protocols, and GPS technology. The sampling process is fully risk-assessed to ensure the safety of our team and your property.
Our technical data is analysed and interpreted by FACTS qualified staff, ensuring accuracy and reliability in the recommendations provided.
The combination of advanced technology, thorough analysis, and qualified personnel means we can deliver precise and tailored soil and nutrient management solutions for your farm.
Talk to us about soil and nutrient management.
