Soil tests

[CecilBurnfield]

Hi, we’ve never tested our soil biologically - want to find out how healthy it is and what nutrients are reaching the crops so that we can be a bit more savvy with how are farming. Does anyone one have a good line up of tests they would recommend? Thanks,

 

[SilliamWhale]

Don't bother.

Do a chemical soil test. Look at the water infiltration, dig some holes. D some tissue tests and organic matter tests if you want but remember they are transient

 

[CecilBurnfield]

Don't bother.

Do a chemical soil test. Look at the water infiltration, dig some holes. D some tissue tests and organic matter tests if you want but remember they are transient

Rgr. Any reason you wouldn’t bother? Too Inaccurate?

 

[SilliamWhale]

Rgr. Any reason you wouldn’t bother? Too Inaccurate?

Biology is so variable. So to get a tiny sample and expect it to be representative of a field biologically is not reliable. The other issue is the biological analysis stuff isn't necessarily scientifically that rigorous. They won't be cheap and you won't be able to get that much from them in my experience

The low hanging fruit is worm numbers, infiltration, soil texture and crumb etc. You have to do some chemical analysis to check you have enough of the macronutrients which does allow a better function for agricultural crops.

Get the Soil Owners Manual by John Stika

 

[Yale]

Ph first……

 

[andybk]

Ph first……

This as it affects everything else

 

[Lowland1]

This as it affects everything else

Not necessarily soil organic matter is far more important.High organic matter levels can buffer a lot of poor chemistry.

 

[onesiedale]

soil biology can be as simple as counting the number of worms, the number of types of worms, the critters and bugs creeping around in a 30cm³ spadefull of soil.
It is time consuming, don't rush it as there is always more to find!
Above all record it, along with a description of the soil in your hands and what3words location, then you have the start of a valuable biological baseline .
Then if you are really keen, record above ground plants and any wildlife/insects/birds that you see at that point and time.