Soil Testing for Farmers and Growers

"Plants don’t actually “absorb” minerals.

Microbes do the work.

Mycorrhizal fungi extend root systems.

Bacteria solubilize phosphorus.

Organic acids chelate iron, zinc, calcium.

Up to ~80% of plant nutrient uptake is microbially mediated.

So, when biology collapses, inputs rise.

When biology returns, inputs fall.

That’s why we build habitat — not fertiliser".

Why I Test Soil – It’s Not About Selling More Fertiliser

When I carry out soil testing, it isn’t to justify adding more fertiliser. It’s to understand how to help the soil release the nutrients that are already there.

Over the years I’ve seen many systems become heavily reliant on applied nitrogen. In some cases the soil begins to function almost like a hydroponic system, where crops grow but have very little interaction with the soil biology that should naturally support them.

A recent field I looked at showed this perfectly. The centre of the field had a pale lime-green colour (no photo filters), showing the grass was under stress following heavy rainfall. The soil there is tight, with poor biological activity, so the plant struggles.

Yet the headlands told a completely different story. The grass was darker, healthier and growing strongly. The soil was more friable, with better pore space and far stronger biological activity – allowing the plants to keep functioning even during prolonged wet weather.

When I test soil, I don’t just take a single sample. I collect multiple cores across the field and combine them to give a true representation. I also dig soil pits to look at:

• Soil structure

• Rooting depth

• Biological activity

• The condition of the soil profile

Samples are then sent to the US for a full analysis of both major and trace elements. One key relationship I assess is the calcium to magnesium ratio, ideally around 7:1 for good soil structure and function.

From there we can start correcting imbalances and rebuilding soil health over time.

While soils are improving, I can also recommend livestock mineral packages with seaweed to improve bioavailability, available as free-access minerals or molasses licks.

Where needed, I also advise on:

• Herbal leys or diverse species mixes

Management strategies to improve soil biology

• Organic matter building

• Biological stimulants that supply amino acids to support root development and plant growth

Healthy soil doesn’t happen overnight — but when it starts working properly again, the results in grass growth, resilience and livestock performance speak for themselves.

If you'd like help understanding what your soil is really doing, feel free to get in touch.

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