Soil Testing

How to take a soil sample:

The sample size is around a 1lb jam jar or a box the size of 10x10x5cm.

 

Take a sample from different parts of the field e.g. corners and middle.  Try not to include grass and roots.

 

Make sure that your samples are marked for horse pasture, recommendations will vary according to the pasture use.

 

A field growing Buttercups suggest that it is acid and also could have a drainage problem.

 

Acidity can be corrected with liming.  Chalk or Cornish Calcified Seaweed (organic alternative) can be used.  Liming can be done at any time but it is best done in the spring or autumn.

Companies that provide a soil testing service:

Send a sample of soil to ADAS (tel no 01902 754190) for analysis.  They will tell you the PH level of your soil and therefore the type of fertiliser to use. Advice is charged for.

 

Corn & Agricultural Merchants may also provide a soil analysis service.

 

Elm Farm Research Centre, Elm Farm, Hamsted Marshall, Nr Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 0HR. Tel: 01488 657600.

 

Hall Plank Robinson Limited provide a soil analysis and crop nutrition service. Tel No: 0118 9323688.

Hindhay - Comprehensive soil testing for pH, P + K and other nutrients.

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