Soil testing for pastures

[no_no_nanette]

Has anyone used any kind of soil testing service to find out what fertilisers to use on their pasture, or what nutrients it might be missing? Also does anyone have any experience of using dried seaweed as a broad specturm fertiliser on horse pasture? Would this make the grass unpalatable, and for how long?
Sorry for all the questions, but would welcome feedback from all you farmers and field owners out there! I need to do something about the pretty poor pasture that my mare is currently on in her livery, and we have no alternative unfortunately. (I know, it should be the livery owner who maintains the field, but I gave up on that a long time ago!) Thanks!

 

[Tia]

I think rather than fumbling about in the dark, it would be cost-effective to have a soil analysis done - this will tell you exactly what is deficient in your land and save you lots of money by pointing you to what you need to improve the field.

If you call into your local countrystore or seed company, they should be able to put you in touch with a soil-sample company who will run your soil and give you answers.

 

[6410]

Your local farmers c0-op or where the local farmers go for their seeds would help you out. Though I do know of reputable companys that can do soil testing for you. On our farm we test our fields and in past we have used sea weed if you want further info let me know

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

I think you will probably get most of your questions answered here:-

http://westward-web.co.uk/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=1

 

[spaniel]

You can buy a very basic soil testing kit from a decent garden centre but it really will only give you a very rough idea. If you can stretch to it better to get one done by a specialist.

 

[no_no_nanette]

Thanks folks! I plan to go down to my feedstore today and ask their advice about soil testing companies, and may well be back to you when I get the results ... the website recommended was very good, and the message seemed to be the same - don't use guesswork, but get an accurate picture so that you can fertilise accurately. I also picked up that buttercups (and there are one or two patches in Beth's field) are a sign of acidity in the soil, often due to overgrazing ... (and in the case of our livery, no management to speak of at all of the land!!)