Soil & Agricultural Material Testing
Suites of Analysis
Why Test With Us?
Our aim is to enable our clients to meet all their compliance requirements, maximise growth and
solve agricultural problems.
The Soil & Agricultural Material Laboratory, which is the largest in the country, offers the most comprehensive range of tests on Soil and Agricultural Material.
We work with Private Agricultural Consultants, Horticulturist, Industry, State bodies including Local Authorities and Teagasc, and also to private individuals.
The laboratory is well equipped with a large range of modern equipment. All analyses are performed to rigorous specifications and a quality control system (ISO 17025) is in place to ensure the reliability of the results.
For information on soil tests or to avail of express testing please contact:
You may wonder...
Why Test Your Soil?
While it is recognised that soil testing is the cornerstone in any nutrient management planning, many farmers are still slow to participate in soil testing programmes. Soil samples in Ireland are mainly carried out for cross-compliance purposes. A 2012 Teagasc survey showed that only 41% of samples analysed are used for fertilizer planning.
Soil tests help to reduce the guesswork in fertilizer practices. Farmers who soil test know more about their soil nutrient profile and can target their fertiliser purchases accordingly.
They can make more informed buying decisions that save money in the long run. If you don’t understand the fertility status of the soils under management it is extremely difficult, costly and time-consuming to then ensure the right fertilizer product, application rate, and method of application are being used to maximise return.
Soil Facts
The average beef farm in Ireland is producing 5.5t DM/ha, while the top producers in the country are hitting, on average, 12.2t DM/ha.
By applying 5t/ha of lime to a soil pH of 5.3, grass production increases by 1.5t DM/ha.
For every extra 1t DM/ha utilised net profit increases by €105/ha (Teagasc).
For grassland farmers, Teagasc is presently working on a target of 10 dry tons of grass per hectare. Every extra ton of grass that a farmer produces is equivalent to €180.
“Only 11% of soil samples in the country are adequate for pH, P and K” If no soil test is completed and one assumes Index 3 one is likely to be wrong in 0% of fields.
