Get your soils tested as soon as possible for cost effective fertiliser decisions

26/02/2009 12:00:00 AM

It is important to test your soils now in order to have the results before fertiliser decisions need to be made.

At APAL we are often asked when is the best time to sample soils and the short answer is any time it suits your farming program.

However if the paddock has not been tested for 3 years or more then the answer is to test as soon as possible.

For broadacre croppers in particular you will need to get your samples in to APAL soon to have the results for this year's fertiliser planning.

This season also consider the advantages in testing your soils through the spring as it allows plenty of time after the results come back for planning and allows you to take advantage of early season deals offered by the fertiliser companies.

Fertiliser expenses are now a substantial part of any farm budget and it is essential that you have the information necessary to effectively target your program and get the best returns from your inputs.

Soil samples have commonly been taken when the soil is dry during the summer and autumn but this can lead to problems because:

• you will be sampling your soils when they are at their worst.
• it is difficult to take a good sample in lighter soil types where the sand will run out of the probe, or in heavier soils that set rock hard.
• you will get the soil test results at the wrong time for early fertiliser planning and budgeting.
• quick turn-arround times can be assured in spring.

Soil samples can be taken at any time of the year but always take your followup soil tests in the same season and in similar conditions so the results can be compared with the previous tests.