Soil Analysis

Why is Soil Analysis important?

Soil sampling and analysis is a free service to OMEX customers. Fields are sampled according to industry standards and analysed by PAAG-member laboratories. Soil sampling can earn money by indicating the correct fertiliser analyses required for crops and identifying yield-limiting deficiencies.

Fertile, well maintained soils are more productive than those with marginal soil indices and the crops grown use nitrogen efficiently, reducing the risk of environmental pollution. Soil sampling saves money by indicating where nutrients are not required, particularly phosphate, potash and sodium.

What Does A Routine Soil Sample Analysis Include?

Phosphate, potash, magnesium and pH. It is also possible to include boron, sodium, sulphur, copper and zinc analysis. Soil nitrogen testing is also available from OMEX by prior arrangement.

How Are The Results Reported?

The index system developed by Defra is used by all laboratories when they report results. In order to show whether a result is near the top or bottom of an index, OMEX report to one decimal place.

The soil nutrient status is displayed as colour coded easy-to-interpret horizontal bar graphs. Results are available as printed copies, emailed files or as data for uploading into farm recording software.

What Does It Cost?

There is no charge for soil sampling from OMEX, unless there is no purchase of fertiliser following the testing.

How Often Should I Have Soil Sampling Carried Out?

Well managed fields usually only require sampling every four to five years.

Best Practice And Integrated Crop Management

In order to follow best management practices it is vital to know the nutritional status of the soil, only possible after regular, quality soil sampling.

Does It Matter Who I Ask To Do My Soil Sampling?

Yes it does! Correct soil sampling is fundamental to good agronomy.

The OMEX service ensures that a minimum of 25 cores are taken to provide a truly representative sample of the sampled area. OMEX follows the Defra guidelines for soil sampling, taking the most accurate sample path across the sampling area.