Soil samples: The foundation for long-term crop yields: Soil samples provide a direct insight into the condition of the soil and are an important tool for improving soil fertility over time.

Understanding the soil’s nutrient and pH levels, necessary adjustments can be made where deficiencies may exist, and the need for ameliorants can be calculated and addressed.  For this reason, the importance of soil sampling cannot be overstated.

Atlantic Fertilisers recommends that soil analyses of existing perennial crops be taken at least every 3 years. However, taking samples more frequently if production issues or other concerns arise is advisable.  We can assist with soil and leaf sampling services on your farm and capture the areas using GPS for future reference.  Accredited laboratories analyse these samples and our team evaluates the results.  The region’s climatic conditions and previous years’ farming and fertilisation activities are taken into consideration to determine which practices and products will be most suitable.

Our experience highlights the importance of focusing on the following aspects:

• Correct use of lime and gypsum.
• Promote microbial activity in the soil.
• Increased focus on sulphur, available calcium, boron, and trace elements.
• Application of fertilisers in the specific target area.
• Effective and safe concentrations of fertiliser.
• Irrigation scheduling.
• Practices to support nematode control.
• The lack of use of leaf analyses.

Producers utilising regular soil and leaf sampling and incorporating it into their management strategies are better equipped to identify the challenges of the upcoming season and take the necessary steps to ensure success.  

Please feel free to contact us for assistance with soil sampling, data interpretation, fertigation programmes, and the supply of fertiliser products.