Dairy NZ

Last updated: September 2006

Summary: When to take soil samples:

• Always take your soil samples at the same time of the year, as nutrient levels differ throughout the year. For example, if you take samples in October this year, take them in October again in the future
• Avoid sampling during, or immediately after, very wet or very dry conditions. Soil samples taken from very wet or very dry soils can produce false readings
• Take soil samples at least three months after your last fertiliser (not including urea) was applied. Sampling any sooner can give very high readings
• Avoid paddocks that have been grazed in the past week, as there is a higher chance of sampling a fresh urine spot. If a urine spot is sampled, you will see elevated soil test results, especially potassium and sulphur.

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•  Taking soil samples for testing (7-6) View PDF (53kb)