Soil testing - how to

   
Sample as much of your farm as possible to assist in long term planning Sample as much of your farm as possible to assist in long term planning

​How do I sample for soil analysis?

 
  1. Select sites to take soil samples from.  The samples should be representative of the whole area taken in a transect (line) or grid pattern and should be taken in a way which can be repeated from year to year.  Painting fence posts, use of GPS or placing pegs under fences can permanently identify sampling lines.

  2. Make sure the core is taken at the appropriate depth.  Core depth should be 7.5cm for pastoral soils and 15cm for cropping and horticultural soils.  Soil augers are specifically designed for this purpose, alternatively a clean spade can be used but it is essential to maintain core width i.e. not sample in a wedge shape and that the core is sampled to the correct depth. Soil augers can be ordered through ARL (0800 100 668), or rented from your local Ravensdown store.

  3. Do not sample within three months of applying fertiliser or lime, as residual granules may distort your results.

  4. Take a minimum of 20 individual cores at 10 metre intervals.

  5. Securely close the sample bags and label them clearly.

  6. Fill in the submission form and put the samples plus the submission form in the pre-paid courier bag and send them to ARL immediately or store in the refrigerator (any delay exposes the sample to excess heat and moisture and can affect the analysis).
For Crop specific information refer to ARL’s Soil sampling guide
 

Pastoral automated fertiliser recommendation

If you require an automated maintenance fertiliser recommendation (applicable to conventional dairy, sheep, beef and deer pastoral farming systems) to accompany your soil test results, simply supply your farm information on the soil submission form and this will be provided FREE of charge.
 
Note: You must select the Standard Soil with Organic Sulphur test for us to complete this recommendation.
 

How many samples and how often?

ARL recommends sampling as much of your farm as possible to assist in long term planning and providing for the overall sustainability of your operation.  It’s a small investment to add science to your land management practices.

Maximum advantage from soil testing is best achieved by repeated testing on a regular and planned basis, rather than relying on a “snap shot” in time.  For most situations an annual soil test, coupled with plant tissue testing during the growing season is recommended.

For further information or to make arrangements for testing please contact our Ravensdown Customer Centre on 0800 100 123 or contact ARL directly on 0800 100 668.