Soil analysis
Most of the work, and cost, of soil testing is in the sampling and transportation of the samples to be analysed to the laboratory. Once the sample has arrived it makes sense to get as much information as possible from the sample.
1. Nutrient analysis
Soil testing provides an inventory of crop available nutrients and the background to build a nutrient management plan. Basic soil analysis (P, K, Mg and pH) is a legal requirement in England, but this analysis only provides a part of the picture as other nutrients and factors can be limiting to crop growth. In order to get the most from a soil sample, it is important to analyse for all nutrients using Yara’s Broad Spectrum analysis group which includes the analysis for secondary nutrients, such as sulphur, and micronutrients
2. Chemical and physical analysis
The physical and chemical characteristics of the soil need to be considered before making any soil management decisions or planning a nutrient application strategy. Soil pH, Cation Exchange Capacity, organic matter and soil texture all have an impact on how we manage our soils and crops.
3. Biological analysis
An active population of soil organisms is essential to a healthy soil; they contribute to crop nutrition, recycling nutrients from the humus, organic matter and soil particles, as well as influencing soil structure. . Together with the analysis of organic matter, a biological analysis provides a rounded picture of a soil’s overall health, it’s response to soil management practices and its potential for producing high yielding, quality crops.
Leaf Analysis
A wide range of nutrients can be determined including macronutrients (nitrogen, potassium, phosphate), major nutrients (calcium, sulphur, magnesium), animal health nutrients (sodium, cobalt, iodine and selenium) and heavy metals (lead, nickel, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, copper and zinc)
Grain analysis
Grain analysis is an increasingly useful analytical tool, testing the nutrient content of harvested as a basis for future nutrient management decisions.
Testing the nutrient content of harvested grain provides you with:
- Accurate measurement off nutrient take-off (as opposed to relying on standard RB209 book values for P&K).
- The opportunity to identify any nutrient deficiencies in the harvested crop that may have impacted upon its success (e.g. N:S ratio and critical P levels).
- Information to incorporate into future nutrient planning for following crops (e.g. micronutrient fortification and improved management of future soil fertility by maintaining P&K levels).