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Soil Technical Info
Soil Test Recommendations for Field, Vegetable, and Fruit CropsFAQ
1. Will soil samples, which have been sitting in a truck for a few weeks, still produce an accurate analysis?
- Yes, pH, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, and Mn are just fine if they wait- even months. Soils needing nitrate analysis require immediate delivery.
- Yes, pH, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, and Mn are just fine if they wait- even months. Soils needing nitrate analysis require immediate delivery.
2. Can lime and fertilizer be added simultaneously?
- Yes.
- Yes.
3. Are soil test that are available in store and greenhouses actually reliable?
- No. These kits only give you a general indication of soil pH and fertility. RRL offers much more accuracy.
- RRL offers specific crop recommendations based on university research, such as soil pH within tenth of pH unit or other analysis within a few parts per million.
- No. These kits only give you a general indication of soil pH and fertility. RRL offers much more accuracy.
- RRL offers specific crop recommendations based on university research, such as soil pH within tenth of pH unit or other analysis within a few parts per million.
4. Are splitting soil samples between two or more laboratories a good judge in comparing lab quality?
- No. Usually growers or crop consultants collect soil samples, mix in bucket, and then send to laboratories for comparison. Incomplete mixing is first problem. Studies conclude that mixing moist or too dry soil increases the inaccuracy.
- Rock River Laboratories, Inc. participates in the Farmers Service Association Proficiency Testing Program involving approximately 6 other laboratories. We also participate in the North Central Region Proficiency Soil Testing Program involving over 20 peer laboratories. Soil professionals run these programs from government and university.
- Sending split samples to laboratories, without knowing what procedures of analysis and extracting processes of each, is a waste of time and money. Professionally run Proficiency Programs compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges.
- Sticking with one laboratory like Rock River Laboratories, Inc. and developing a long-term relationship is recommended.
- No. Usually growers or crop consultants collect soil samples, mix in bucket, and then send to laboratories for comparison. Incomplete mixing is first problem. Studies conclude that mixing moist or too dry soil increases the inaccuracy.
- Rock River Laboratories, Inc. participates in the Farmers Service Association Proficiency Testing Program involving approximately 6 other laboratories. We also participate in the North Central Region Proficiency Soil Testing Program involving over 20 peer laboratories. Soil professionals run these programs from government and university.
- Sending split samples to laboratories, without knowing what procedures of analysis and extracting processes of each, is a waste of time and money. Professionally run Proficiency Programs compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges.
- Sticking with one laboratory like Rock River Laboratories, Inc. and developing a long-term relationship is recommended.
5. How do I sample in no-till situations?
- Soil pH tends to be lower near the surface and increases with depth. Even though nitrogen applications to surface quickly transform and become mobile, decreases in soil pH near surface are common.
- Soil sample at 0-3 inch and 3-6 inch depths to account for differences in pH.
- Lime applications may be necessary if concentration of soil acidity occur near surface.
- Soil pH tends to be lower near the surface and increases with depth. Even though nitrogen applications to surface quickly transform and become mobile, decreases in soil pH near surface are common.
- Soil sample at 0-3 inch and 3-6 inch depths to account for differences in pH.
- Lime applications may be necessary if concentration of soil acidity occur near surface.
Related Links
Universities/Extensions
Farm Bureau Federations
Wisconsin Ag Media
The Markets
Government
Crop Nutrients
Precision/Site-Specific Farming Information - GPS and Mapping
Farm Bureau Federations