Soil Testing Services At Walden Farm & Ranch Supply
Now is the time to get hay fields and pastureland soil tested and beat the spring rush. If you put off doing it now it may not get done in time for the upcoming growing season. In this upcoming season the reward could be significant. At Walden Farm and Ranch Supply we offer soil testing services. Bring us your soil samples and we’ll get them tested and provide a complete analysis of your soil.
Soil testing is the most important tool in forage production since soil fertility is critical to forage production and nutritive value. A sound soil fertility program is critical for providing adequate nutrients for the growing plant. In a forage system, this involves more than just adding nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). It also involves monitoring soil compaction, soil pH, nutrient applications and removal rates, and in some cases, subsoil nutrient status.
How to gather samples*
■ Take one composite sample for every 10 to 40 acres. Take separate samples for areas with different soil types, different land uses or fertilizer uses, or different terrain.
■ Routine analysis requires approximately 1 pint of the composite soil.
■ Avoid sampling small gullies, slight field depressions, terrace waterways, or atypical areas.
■ When sampling fertilized fields, avoid sampling directly in a fertilized band.
■ After applying manure or litter to a field, wait 90 days before taking soil samples unless the manure or litter has been thoroughly incorporated
*Vanessa Corriher, Tony Provin, and Larry Redmon for Texas A&M
