pH TESTING & ANALYSIS
Correct pH is essential for good soil management and can be affected by many factors such as weather conditions, poor drainage, leaching, application of fertilisers and chemicals and crop & straw removal. As a company we pride ourselves on our accuracy and knowledge of “in field” soil sampling; we have encountered most conditions that different soil types can demonstrate.
pH sampling is carried out in the field with results readily available. We use two methods to determine pH levels. One being a BDH test tube kit with the use of soil indicator and the other is a digital testing device accurate to two decimal places. This method also tests the soil temperature. These results and sample points are then accurately plotted onto a field map where areas requiring treatment are clearly visible.
P, K & Mg Analysis
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It is very important for fields to be analysed for Phosphate, Potash and Magnesium to determine nutrient levels present in the soil and not to assume the same application for the whole farm. Many of our customers like to use us for this service as we collect a core of soil from every point that a pH sample is taken rather than the traditional W or X pattern that may not be a good representation of the whole field. Most farms tend to carry this out on a rotational basis aiming to have sampled the whole farm over a 3-4 year period. Some farmers also like the independence that we can offer from sampling as it gives them greater bargaining power with fertiliser companies.
Combined with a pH analysis, this level of field knowledge can determine why a crop or field may not be performing to it’s full potential.
GPS Nutrient Mapping
Can you still afford whole field fertiliser applications? We offer a comprehensive GPS Nutrient Mapping service for just one field or a whole farm. We measure each field by dGPS and then take samples, typically every hectare, for P, K, Mg & pH. The results are then translated into variable rate maps and a 4 year treatment programme which can be tailored to suit your soil or crops requirement. Unlike many companies offering this service we can also arrange VRA spreading using our contractors. Alternatively we can provide data for use with farmers own spreaders.
Contact andrew@mountliming.co.uk for a competitive price or more details.
Total Nitrogen Testing
The necessity to justify nitrogen use on fields and to keep more up to date field records has seen an increase in the amount of ‘Total N’ testing that we carry out. Samples are taken at 2 or 3 levels down to a depth of 90cm and can provide growers with valuable information for determining the amount of N to be applied. In some cases the Environment Agency have requested this information from farmers who need to justify a higher application rate than currently recommended in RB209. Similarly certain crop residues can effect soil nitrogen levels meaning some fields may require a lower application than others.
Micro Nutrient Surveys
If a particular field or part of a field is giving poor yields and all the above tests have not pin pointed a reason we are then able to carry out Cation Exchange Soil Surveys. These highly detailed analysis will show defficent and excess levels of micro nutrients as well as showing any imbalance in the make up of the soil. The survey will suggest how to unlock excess reserves and obtain a more balanced nutrient level in the soil. Indepndant & technical advice can then also be provided to explain soloutions to the problems more fully.
Tissue analysis is also available for under performing crops to suggest suitable foliar treatments or just to answer reasons for poor pant growth.