Soil Sampling

Slide 1 LHAP 105 Soil and Water Soil Sampling Slide 2 Soil Sampling Used to determine nutrient levels in the soil Also for pH, CEC, EC, trace elements, OM, texture assist in diagnosing problems of pH or salt buildup Slide 3 Timing - Before establishing a long term crop (fall is best) minimum: every 3-5 years (with established schedule) Before fertilizers are applied (recently applied fertilizers can affect results) Problem soils anytime Slide 4 Soil Sampling A small amount of soil is used to determine properties throughout a much larger area Consider variations in soil texture, colour, depth, slope, erosion, drainage Slide 5 Soil Sampling Take separate samples for areas that are significantly different from the rest of the field Consider taking samples from areas that get more or less traffic – they might warrant a different approach Slide 6 Soil Sampling Number of samples For lawns – sample at least 10 sites Depth Consider the crop and how deep its roots go, AND what you want to know For lawns use 10 - 15 cm (4 – 6 inches) for whole profile. for vegetables, perennial beds 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) more deep rooted plants 30-60cm (12-24 inches ) Slide 7 The Paperwork Slide 8 Equipment Use a soil probe or soil auger Can use a trowel or garden spade Most consistent samples with a soil probe Use a clean bucket to collect and mix the samples Keep samples from different depths separate Slide 9 Soil Sampling Slide 10 Handling Remove thatch and any live plant material Air dry or keep in cooler Dry within 24 hours Record keeping Keep a map of your layout Show sampling sites, unusual features Keep records of soil test results plus any applications and results in performance Slide 11 Procedure Slide 12 The Results: Box 1 includes the sample information and timing so you can see if there was a delay from receipt to result. Slide 13 The Results: Box 2 provides optimals against the results… pH is low. Organic matter is low. nutrient availability ok except? Why? Slide 14 this soil is at 5.6 pH. Deficiencies can be expected. Slide 15 The Results A visual graph is typically provided as well for quick interpretation and comparison. Slide 16 Reading a Soil Sample Review - What methods do we have at our disposal for: changing pH up or down? adding nutrients to soil? getting a reliable nitrogen test? *Make sure that your management plan quote includes a second test to check your results* Slide 17 Brookside Laboratories Case Study: Innisfail Ball Diamonds - non irrigated site Brookside is a private lab owned by consultants… their results assume knowledge of target levels, whereas Spectrum analytics provides feedback of optimal levels for crops. Slide 18 Brookside Laboratories Case Study: Innisfail Ball Diamonds - saturated soil analysis