Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Next, take samples to cultivation or plant-rooting depth (6 to 12 inches, per lab instruc-
tions) from each area. For sampling, use a stainless-steel or plastic soil tube or auger or
a clean spade; rusty tools can contaminate samples with iron. Systematically take twenty
to thirty samples from every uniform area. Avoid very unusual spots, such as waterways,
hedgerows, and piles of decomposing organic matter, or sample them separately.
Mix all samples from an area thoroughly in a clean plastic bucket; galvanized steel or
brass containers will contaminate the sample with zinc, whereas rusty steel may contamin-
ate it with iron. After mixing, take out enough soil to fill the sample container or a plastic
sandwich bag. Ask the soil lab if you should ship the sample as is or if you should air-
dry the soil before shipping. Label the sample container with your name, address, and the
sample number (corresponding to the area on your map). Fill out the soil information form
completely. Pack the sample container.
The results of the soil test will yield some valuable information. Routine tests are usually
made for pH, organic matter, nitrate-nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesi-
um, lime, micronutrients, soluble salts, and texture. This generally gives an adequate soil
profile, unless a special problem is suspected, in which case further testing may be neces-
sary. Ideal soil pH for horse pastures is 6.0.
Soil test results will indicate whether nitrogen or phosphorus should be added to your
soil to improve hay and pasture yield. A routine soil test will also indicate the salt and so-
dium content of your soil. A high level of soluble salts greatly limits crop yield, and cor-
recting saline soils is time-consuming, expensive, and temporary at best.
