Paddock Soil Analysis

[PorkChop]

Evening all Has anyone had their fields analysed? I would like to know whether there are any deficiencies in our grazing, and whether I need to be supplementing their forage.

Those that have had their field analysed - was it worth it, and how accurate do you think it was?

Also any recommendations for companies to use would be appreciated

 

[catroo]

I have, initially I used a garden soil analysis kit off amazon. Obviously didn't cover every little thing but I wanted to know acidity/ph, iron, calcium etc.

My other half was a bit skeptical on the results so got a local agricultural contractor to do one. Results were nigh on the same.

It was good for indicating how much lime to lay down and which improver to go with so I could do it myself. Only three acres though!

 

[ElleSkywalker]

Not soil but have had my grass analysed and plan to again now I have moved. Found it v useful

I sent mine to Dodson and Horrell (and have sent hay and hayledge too) you can print off a form from their website.

 

[Polos Mum]

I found pro green really useful, complex enough to be useful but not soo technical you can't understand it. It was about £25, they send a bag and instructions on how to take the sample and e-mail you detailed results and recommendations for horse grazing

 

[popsdosh]

Grass tissue samples with give you a more accurate assessment of what the horse is getting from the grazing as the soil type can influence the nutrient uptake from the soil. Soil samples are ok for the macro nutrients ie P K and lime however the micro nutrients are more complex.
This is the company we use on the farm for all our testing (i believe D& H use them) They are quick and efficient! http://www.grantaprocessors.com/

This is their price list and general information book. http://www.grantaprocessors.com/pricelists/Price list 2014 Email.pdf

 

[kobi]

Google www.forageplus.co.uk. They help with understanding the anslysis then recommend what to supplement. I'm desperate to have a go but can't justify the cost at the moment.

 

[JillA]

My local contractor did it for me years ago, it did show the status of the main minerals, including very low magnesium and others varying from the mean, as well as PH. I found it useful - if any symptoms of deficiencies presented with the horses I got blood tests to confirm.

 

[Evie91]

Is had mine done, before I put the horses on it - it's not been grazed before so wanted to make sure it was safe.
Can't remember the company now but I'm sure it was one recommended on here. Really easy took samples of soil and grass. Came back fine - good levels for everything.
You could also phone to have results further explained, so I did this and told pasture was all good but if this spring I wanted to add lime to the soil it would improve it further but not strictly necessary - again can't remember why!
Was worth doing for me - for peace of mind!

 

[PorkChop]

Sorry for not coming back to this thread straight away - Thank you for all your replies I think you are right, I actually want my grass analysed. I have recently moved and I know that my previous grazing was high in arsenic which effected the horses hooves.

I am hoping now that they have been moved they will improve somewhat, but I am keen to check the new grass so that I can improve it if there is an imbalance. I previously was unable to correct the high arsenic unfortunately.