Livestock farmers told to test soils before spring
Farmers are being urged to get their soil tested before spring to improve grassland productivity for the year ahead.
Poppy Frater, EBLEX beef and sheep scientist says having soil tested by a reputable laboratory and acting on the analysis can make the difference between an average and a good grass growing year.
First and foremost test soil pH, advises Ms Frater. “For grass, the optimum range is pH 5.5 to 6.5 on most soils. At suboptimal pH, other minerals are less available.”
Sampling information
- Take 25 plugs of soil (7.5cm deep) while walking a “W” of the field
- Pool the samples and send a smaller sample of this to the lab – follow their instructions
- Sample about every five years at least two months after fertiliser, manure or lime application
- Sample fields that are underperforming, due for reseeding or where perennial ryegrass content is decreasing
Using the results
The EBLEX BRP manual Managing Nutrients for Better Returns is recommended to help farmers calculate nutrient requirements from their soil test results. Key points are summarised below.
- When soil pH falls below 5.5 applying lime is a cheap way to improve pasture yield
- Rock phosphate or manures can supply some or all of crop requirements – take care not to over-apply phosphorus (P) or potassium (K)
- Nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) are vital for productivity
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