We believe so strongly in the importance of a comprehensive soil test, that we will shout you two free soil test upgrades, on us.
Why? We know the results will speak for themselves. The more we know and understand, the more specific and tailored your fertiliser recommendation will be. Which naturally means greater performance not only paddock by paddock, but also in terms of animal health and environmental sustainability.
PROMO OFFER:
Book your soil tests before 31 August 2020 and you’ll receive two free soil test upgrades from basic to comprehensive, on us. Saving $298 + gst.
Basic soil test $86* & Comprehensive soil test $235*
*T&C’s apply. All soil tests must be completed before 20 December 2020. All pricing GST exclusive. Two upgrades maximum per client and limited to one upgrade for lifestyle blocks 5-50ha.
What’s the difference between a basic and comprehensive soil test?
For a soil testing program comparison, please view the basic and comprehensive reporting table examples below. Left is a basic test, and right is our comprehensive test.
Is your biggest asset working for you?
Or are you working for it?
The greatest expense for most farming enterprises is the land the business operates on. With this in mind the question to ask is: How is the soil working for me?
Soil testing is the first step to evaluating who is doing the heavy lifting in your relationship
The main objectives of soil testing are:
- Monitor nutrient status
- Optimise productivity (Plant &/or Animal)
- Determine any:
- Deficiency
- Excess
- Imbalance
- Allow for accurate nutrient management plans to be created
To get all the information that would be significant to decision making for fertiliser use and animal health can be a daunting price, nevertheless when considered on a per hectare basis the price of each test is better viewed as an investment rather than a cost. Particularly so on poorer preforming paddocks.
There is always a scientific reason for poor performance; Chemical, physical or biological
The catch with soil testing is not all soil tests are created equal. To ensure that you are generating a good return off every dollar invested you need to make sure that your soil testing is giving you all the information that would be beneficial, and that this information is accurate.
The importance of macro nutrients (P, K & S) in the soil and the pH level of the soil is well known and has been tested for several years. As a result, most farms have fertiliser programs acknowledge these in the simplest form. Other tests can be done that will increase the efficiency and accuracy of each dollar spent on fertiliser. Some of these are:
Test | Reason |
---|---|
Total Phosphorus (TP)
A measure of all forms of Phosphate in the soil | TP estimates the total amount of recoverable phosphorus in the soil. This helps to understand what potential P is available under ideal soil conditions |
Organic Sulphur (OS)
An indication of potentially available Sulphur in reserve | This result will indicate the longer-term supply of Sulphur. Especially useful on Sedimentary soils, which do not hold onto Sulphate-Sulphur well |
Total Sulphur (TS)
An indication of the total amount of Sulphur available | This test shows the Total Sulphur level present in the soil that may currently be, or become available in a soil |
Anion Storage (ASC)
Measures phosphorus and other anions ability to be held in the soil solution. | ASC will tell you how much and often you will need to apply anions (NPS0 but especially phosphorous. |
Looking for any gains in production and animal health is vital to get the best return on investment. That’s why getting down to the nitty gritty of soil and /or herbage trace element testing makes a lot of sense. Checking the status of Boron, Copper, Zinc, Cobalt, Iron, Manganese, Aluminum, Selenium, Iodine and Molybdenum can identify any low levels effecting plant and animal performance. But just as importantly it can also show any excesses which maybe effecting the uptake of other vital elements.
Don’t look at testing as a cost but as an investment.
If you would like to find out more or to book your soil test please feel free to contact us.