Even though spring is almost here and the ground is still sometimes lightly frozen, it is worth considering soil testing now.
Every farmer should conduct soil testing at least once every 3 years, but in reality, few decide to take this step, and as conversations with farmers suggest, not everyone knows where such tests can be conducted.
We would like to remind you all how important soil analysis is and how to conduct it.
Soil sampling can be done after harvest or in autumn. It can also be done in spring before the start of the growing season and fertilization. The principle of sampling is the same. Soil samples are best taken with an Egner's auger, which is specially designed for this purpose. However, a regular spade can also work well.
SOIL SAMPLING INSTRUCTIONS (DEVELOPED BASED ON PN-R-04031:1997)
- Before starting the sampling, a sketch of the fields intended for testing should be prepared.
- On these fields, mark the extent of the cultivated plants, such as root crops, cereals, rapeseed, etc.
- The sample (generally averaged) should represent the area of agricultural use with similar natural conditions (type, soil type, species, terrain shape) and agrotechnical conditions (pre-crop, cultivation, fertilization).
- The area of use assigned to the general sample, with a leveled soil surface and similar terrain shape, should not exceed 4 hectares.
- A separate general sample should be prepared for each crop.
- General samples should be marked on a precisely drawn sketch, numbered sequentially with an indication of the field area they represent. Samples taken from green areas must be marked with an X in addition to the number.
- To prepare a general sample, take up to 20 primary samples according to the scheme:
It is recommended to sample perpendicular to the direction of agrotechnical treatments (cultivation, fertilization).
- The general (averaged) sample should weigh about 0.5 kg.
- Primary samples should be taken with a soil auger from the topsoil layer 0-20 cm, performing the following steps sequentially:
- compact the freshly plowed soil where the single sample is taken
- vertically position the auger to the soil surface
- press the auger until resistance is felt (up to the crossbar height)
- make a full rotation and remove the auger
- transfer the contents of the recess (container) to a scraper container
- after taking individual samples, mix everything and fill a cardboard box or bag
- Do not take samples:
- on the field edges up to 5 meters
- in places after stacks and heaps
- in ditches, furrows, molehills, and gravel pits
- in depressions and sharp terrain elevations (if necessary, take additional samples from these locations).
- The most suitable period for soil sampling is the spring or autumn period before fertilization.
- Avoid sampling immediately after applying mineral fertilizers, after organic fertilization, or during periods of excessive drought or wet soil.
- Ensure that the markings on the sample packaging correspond to their counterparts on the field sketch.
- Samples described in this way, along with the described farm sketch, should be carefully packaged and delivered directly or by post to the Chemical-Agricultural Station or handed over to the field employee of the SCHR.
- In an individual sampling system, sampling using other tools or devices that guarantee the collection of a representative soil mass is also allowed.
WHO CONDUCTS SOIL TESTING?
Regional Chemical-Agricultural Stations, whose scope of activity covers the areas of counties within a given province, and in some cases, also municipalities of neighboring provinces (maintaining the division from before the administrative reform).
Farmers have field employees at their disposal who will show us how to take samples, and it is to them that we can deliver the soil collected by us.
WHAT CAN WE TEST?
Chemical-agricultural stations can test the content of macroelements (P, K, Mg) and micronutrients in the soil. In their offer, SCHRs also have analyses of pH, heavy metals, fertilizers, and agricultural products..
In cooperation with the chemical-agricultural station, we can prepare a professional fertilizer plan, nutrient balance, or a map of soil pH and fertility.
WHAT DOES SOIL TESTING GIVE US?
- Regulation of soil pH in the case of acidification.
- Accurate determination of fertilizer needs.
- Selection of the appropriate type of fertilizer. There are hundreds of single and multi-component fertilizers on the market, and selecting them correctly and using the proper dose allows for cost savings and improved production profitability.
- Improvement of the quality of agricultural products produced.
- Application of precision farming techniques.
- Assessment of fertility level or soil degradation degree.
- Preparation of fertilizer plans under conditions stipulated by legal regulations.
