Soil Testing: 7 Steps to Success

Anyone who is looking to grow healthy crops on their farm will have an interest in soil nutrient levels and soil health.

Soil testing is in fact a fairly simple process, and is an awesome tool in helping you achieve a healthy and profitable farm.

We recommend consulting with FarmCo Moora Agronomist Helen Lethlean to discuss whether there is a need for additional tests such as deep soil nitrogen tests on your farm.

Luckily, in most soils nutrients are concentrated in the top 10cm of soil, so usually you only have to take your samples to this depth.

Our 7 Simple Steps to Soil Testing Success are as follows: 

1. Pick a soil testing service.  FarmCo Moora can provide you with a free soil sampling kit and even do the soil sampling for you, with a fee simply charged for the analysis of your samples.  The larger fertiliser companies like CSBP offer free soil testing to some clients, or again, reasonably priced soil testing to clients who aren’t eligible for the free service.  These companies can also even take the soil test for you in some cases, or provide you with free sampling bags and a soil sampling tube.  They will also go through your soil sampling report with you.  Alternatively, there are a number of other companies like Australian Precision Ag Laboratory that provide soil testing kits and independent accredited soil testing services, with results returned within 8 working days.  Their reports indicate your soil’s nutrient levels against desirable levels for the crop you would like to grow and they also offer an interpretation guide.
2. Pick the right time to collect samples.  Most comparisons are based on midsummer (January to March) sampling when the soil is dry.  This is because changes in soil moisture, plant growth and the decomposition of organic matter all affect soil nutrient levels.
3. Plan regular tests to build better knowledge.  Testing the soil at the same time each year improves the comparison of results between years and builds a clear profile of soil health over time. Send your samples to the same provider or laboratory for testing as results between laboratories cannot be compared easily.
4. Ensure samples are representative.  You will need samples from across your paddock. Common sense applies here; avoid sampling wet soil or near fences, trees, troughs, headlands, dams, stock tracks, clumps of manure, fertiliser dumps and burnt heaps.
5. Remember to account for variability.  If your paddock has variations in soil type, depth, slope and nutrient levels, take separate samples from each area so that different areas can be individually analysed.
6. Set a sampling site pattern & collect your samples.  Use a map or a GPS to record where you have taken your representative samples, so you can take them in the same area in the future and monitor soil health changes over time.  Use a clean spade or trowel and clean buckets if you don’t have access to a soil sampling tube.  Take at least five samples per hectare (preferably more) in a grid pattern across the area. For each soil type or testing area, thoroughly mix your samples with a clean trowel (not with your hands) and fill your sample bag. Label your sample bag clearly and send it off in the pre-paid pack provided with your kit.  If you are using a paid service, you will pay a fee for the analysis of each sample, with a comprehensive analysis costing more than an analysis only covering certain nutrients.
7. Interpret the results. This is the fun part!  If you want to discuss your report or need further information call us and chat to FarmCo Moora’s Agronomist Helen Lethlean.

Information above taken from (2020). Soil sampling and testing on a small property.  Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development – https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/small-landholders-western-australia/soil-sampling-and-testing-small-property.