forage/grass/soil analysis

[MotherOfChickens]

I am interested in getting this done-particularly grass I think-is it worth getting grass done without soil analysis or vice versa? I am quite interested in looking at grass over the course of the year, especially mineral analysis-any recommendations/advice for companies, basic minerals vs a more comprehensvie study etc appreciated, thanks.

 

[TwoStroke]

I think grass is best, as the species of plants you have growing in your pasture will affect the quantities of minerals absorbed, so a soil analysis may not give an accurate picture as to the minerals available to the horse.

I think a basic analysis is just protien, WSC, DE etc, and doesn't show any minerals. The full mineral analysis is a bit more expensive, around £60 iirc. There are a number of companies which offer the service, I know Forage Plus do a full range of analyses, and I think D&H do some... maybe Dengie too.

P.S. I like your user name

 

[MotherOfChickens]

I think grass is best, as the species of plants you have growing in your pasture will affect the quantities of minerals absorbed, so a soil analysis may not give an accurate picture as to the minerals available to the horse.

I think a basic analysis is just protien, WSC, DE etc, and doesn't show any minerals. The full mineral analysis is a bit more expensive, around £60 iirc. There are a number of companies which offer the service, I know Forage Plus do a full range of analyses, and I think D&H do some... maybe Dengie too.

P.S. I like your user name

thanks, and thanks-OH calls me it in reference to Game Of Thrones. Not sure whether to be insulted or not

 

[Polos Mum]

I think it depends on what you want to know, we want better quality grass growth so we went for soil analysis and advice on how best to grow for horses - it was about £25 and showed all the minerals available in the soil, it doesn't prove those minerals there will be taken up by the grass but if they aren't in the soil in the first place they certainly can't be !!
I feed mine a mineral supp anyway so knowing what's in the grass wouldn't change how I manage the boys.