We are often asked, “How do you take a sample properly?”
Since most agricultural organisations recommend that farmers test their soil every 4-5 years to improve crop yield and reduce fertiliser costs, it’s essential to understand how to do it.
In this article, we’ll guide you through 5 simple steps for getting your soil tested.
Table of Contents
1) Plot Your Land
First, if you don’t already have a map of your land, you should create or obtain one. This can be a digital map or a hand-drawn sketch. Using GPS or mapping software will provide more accuracy.
Once you have your map, identify and label the boundaries of the different fields or plots. Mark each area with distinct colours or labels for clarity. This will help you plan where to take your samples and provide a clear visual representation of your land.
Note: Be sure to update the map if you make any changes or add new fields.
2) Take Your Soil Sample
Next, acquire a soil corer and collection boxes from your Co-Op, Teagasc, or Ag Advisor. Once you have these tools, you can take your sample. The accuracy of soil analysis findings relies on the quality of the sample.
• When testing your soil, you should sample at the same time of the year to allow for accurate comparisons. Samples should be taken between September and March for consistency.
• Avoid extreme soil conditions like waterlogged or very dry soil.
• Don’t sample until 3-6 months after applying phosphorus (P) or potassium (K) and 2 years after applying lime.
• Avoid unusual areas such as old fences, ditches, or spots with spilled fertilisers, manures, or lime.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to taking a soil sample:
(1) Take soil cores to a depth of 10 cm (4 inches) every 4-5 steps.
(2) When sampling, walk in a W-shaped pattern (shown below) and collect 7 samples on each straight line of the letter W (for ~28 soil cores in total).
(3) Mix the soil cores thoroughly and take a representative sub-sample for analysis, filling the soil sample box completely.
(4) You should fill one collection box per field. It’s crucial to clearly mark each box with the field’s identity number using a permanent marker.
3) Order Your Test with Southern Scientific
Southern Scientific Services is Ireland’s largest private soil laboratory, processing over 60,000 soil samples yearly. We have everything you need to get started with soil testing. To order a soil test with us:
- Log into your account on southernscientificireland.com and click “Sample Forms”.
- Download our submission form for soils.
- In the form, fill out your soil type, soil tests needed, details of cropping, contact details, Ag Advisor or Co-Op details and add your signature.
- While you’re online, you can also pay for the samples online before sending them. Under “Services”, click “Soil and Agricultural Material Testing”. Click on “Agricultural Soil” and choose the suite you need.
At Southern Scientific, we group our tests into suites based on combinations of tests customers are likely to order. For example, Suite One is a basic suite measuring pH, lime requirement, P, and K. Meanwhile, Suite Eight is more advanced. It includes pH, lime requirement, P and K, magnesium, and organic matter suitable for both grassland and tillage.
4) Send Your Samples to Southern Scientific
You can send your samples to us by post, drop them off in person, or use a courier service to deliver them to:
Unit B5, 4Park Business Centre, Farranfore, Co. Kerry, Ireland, V93 E220.
Once we receive your samples, we will send you a confirmation email. We will then perform the requested tests at our ISO-accredited laboratories around Ireland.
5) Receive Your Results Promptly
You will receive your results in a report format via email within ten working days. After that, you can discuss your results with your Agricultural Consultant. They will advise you on your fertiliser requirements or help you create a nutrient management plan if necessary.
If you’re interested in Southern Scientific’s accurate testing services with fast turnarounds, we offer a range of analysis suites to help give you insights into your soil health.
