Soil Analysis
Farmers submit soil samples for laboratory testing for two main reasons:
SR2Applies to both forage and arable land area. Samples are analysed for pH, Lime Requirement, Phosphorus and Potassium. The analysis report gives P and K values and indices, plus fertiliser guidelines for grazing, silage, maize and cereals. SR3Applies mainly to arable crops. Samples are analysed for pH, Lime Requirement, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Copper, Manganese, Zinc, Boron. The Analytical Report gives P and K values and indices, plus fertiliser guidelines for grazing, silage, cereals, maize, beet, potatoes, and oil seed rape. ORGANIC MATTERFor soils in continuous tillage (6 or more years) there is a cross compliance requirement under GAEC standards to monitor the organic matter content. Remedial action must be carried out if the organic matter content is less than the threshold value of 3.4% . It is required that at least 50% of continuous tillage land is analysed by the end of 2010, and that 100% is completed by the end of 2011. HEAVY METALSWhen sludges and compost-type material of non-farmyard origin are being applied to agricultural land, it is necessary to analyse the soil for heavy metal content. The metals that need to be measured are Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Lead, Mercury, Nickel and Zinc Download the Soil Analysis Log Sheet. |
|