{"id":1534,"date":"2018-11-06T21:20:35","date_gmt":"2018-11-06T21:20:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/agrilife.org\/texasrowcrops\/?p=1534"},"modified":"2018-11-06T21:20:35","modified_gmt":"2018-11-06T21:20:35","slug":"eight-considerations-to-get-more-value-for-your-soil-test-dollars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/agrilife.org\/texasrowcrops\/2018\/11\/06\/eight-considerations-to-get-more-value-for-your-soil-test-dollars\/","title":{"rendered":"Eight Considerations to Get More Value for Your Soil Test Dollars"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Dr. Calvin Trostle, Extension Agronomy, TAMU Soil & Crop Sciences, Lubbock, (806) 723-8432, ctrostle@ag.tamu.edu<\/a><\/p>\n

Farmers across Texas are familiar with standard soil testing procedures and many make use of soil tests to determine fertilizer applications for a wide range of crops and soil types.\u00a0 You have likely been encouraged to soil test annually and \u201cDon\u2019t Guess\u2014Soil Test\u201d to better pinpoint your soil fertility program.<\/p>\n

Overall soil testing information from Texas A&M is found at http:\/\/soiltesting.tamu.edu\/<\/a>\u00a0 Included is instructions on how to sample, what types of test you can choose to meet your needs (basic nutrients and pH vs. a complete analysis of nutrients, organic matter, salts, etc.).\u00a0 Prices are listed as well.\u00a0 Furthermore, discounts are available for a variety of tests when groups of eight or more samples are submitted at the same time for the same test.<\/p>\n

Information is also available for testing of forages, plant tissues, water, and biosolids.<\/p>\n

Here are eight additional considerations to help you capture more value from soil test results.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

1)\u00a0 There<\/strong><\/u> <\/u>a<\/strong>re different philosophies of soil testing<\/u><\/strong>. Producers regularly comment to me that they sent the same sample to two different labs and received different recommendations.\u00a0 Why?\u00a0 There are several reasons why this could be.\u00a0 First, there are two components to soil testing and recommendations<\/u>.\u00a0 On one hand there is the specific test method that is used.\u00a0 This includes how the nutrients are extracted from the soil and what method is used to analyze the nutrient.\u00a0 These may not be the same between two labs (see more in #5 below).\u00a0 On the other hand, an individual lab may have a different basis for what they recommend based on both the measured nutrient value and your goals.<\/p>\n

The two primary philosophies of soil testing are generally \u201cprovide the nutrients needed for the current crop<\/u>\u201d vs. \u201cbuild and maintain<\/u>,\u201d or let\u2019s increase the background residual fertility.\u00a0 Each has its merits.\u00a0 The former is more likely the approach taken by public (university) soil test labs, which are expected to base soil test recommendations on years of field validation trials for different crops across a range of soil types.\u00a0 Private labs likely use a similar basis for gauging crop nutrient requirements (and very well may use the university data) but may be more inclined to recommend a higher level of fertilization for some nutrients to increase the background level of fertility.\u00a0 (This is most commonly associated with P and K; we do not \u201cbuild\u201d soil nitrogen, or N, which is relatively mobile in the soil when applied or converted to the nitrate form; any build-and-maintain approach for nitrogen generally involves the application of compost, manure, etc. where N release occurs over a couple of years).<\/p>\n

In general, both philosophies should include a yield goal and consider existing residual soil fertility that is available to your next crop.\u00a0 You know that build-and-maintain may cost a little more, but if it reflects your goals, then this is acceptable additional expense.\u00a0 If you are not sure of your preferred soil test lab\u2019s approach to their recommendations, ask.\u00a0 You have a right to know. \u00a0The same applies if you have a crop consultant or fertilizer dealer making recommendations for your farm.<\/p>\n

2)\u00a0 Who soil samples your field and makes your recommendations?<\/u><\/strong> Particularly for large farms, producers may rely on a crop consultant or the fertilizer dealer themselves to conduct soil sampling on your different fields.\u00a0 Ensure they are taking representative samples for each sampling unit or field (at least one probe point per 4 acres, preferably 1 per 2 acres especially for smaller sampling areas).\u00a0 Also, if the individual who conducts soil sampling may not be familiar with different soil types or other production zones in your field (good areas, poor areas) that you observe, let them know so they can sample accordingly and not commingle soil samples from potentially different management zones.<\/p>\n

Ask what soil test lab the consultant or fertilizer dealer uses.\u00a0 Even if you are not charged for the soil tests (part of the consultant\u2019s fee or you are expected to purchase your fertilizer from that dealer), you should inquire who is conducting the test and understand what the recommendations might be (see #1).\u00a0 Also, since you did not submit the soil test reports, were they returned to you with recommendations based on your yield goals?\u00a0 What are your yield goals?\u00a0 If you have been working with a consultant for many years, they may already know your target yield goals for individual fields based on experience.\u00a0 But you should ask.\u00a0 If you have made other changes in your production practices that may influence yield goals hence recommendations you need to share that information.<\/p>\n

3)\u00a0 Be alert for possible conflicts of interest<\/u><\/strong>. You know this, and it should go without saying.\u00a0 But if someone is doing your soil sampling for you, handles soil testing and recommendations, and you buy your fertilizer from them, this is a potential conflict of interest.\u00a0 Just so you know, regardless of the level of trust you may have.\u00a0 I have colleagues that strictly recommend\u00a0 you control the soil sampling process and sourcing of fertilizer recommendations that fully reflects your best interests.\u00a0 Then you shop for fertilizer based on cost, type, availability, and possible fertilizer application services.<\/p>\n

4)\u00a0 There is a trend to increasing the depth of soil sampling<\/u><\/strong>. Initially, this was driven by recognition that there may be substantial amounts of the readily available form of soil nitrogen, or nitrate, below 6\u201d\u2014and sometimes lots of nitrate-N, even up to 100 lbs. of N per acre in rare cases\u2014that is utilized by all crops.\u00a0 Some highly agricultural states now recommend standard soil samples to 24\u201d deep for the basic, routine analysis.\u00a0 This includes Kansas and North Dakota.\u00a0 But you know that soil sampling to 24\u201d is more difficult and will take more time.\u00a0 (Consultants and producers in the Texas High Plains tell me that they are generally readily able to sample to 18\u201d without much difficulty.)\u00a0 But what is the value of better fine-tuning your nutrient needs?<\/p>\n

Texas A&M AgriLife does not currently recommend deeper soil sampling for general soil nutrient analysis, though we acknowledge is would provide more information to better pinpoint fertilizer recommendations.\u00a0 We do recommend, however, greater attention to soil nitrate-N below 6\u201d.\u00a0 Thus, the Texas A&M Soil Test Lab now provides a \u201cProfile N\u201d soil test form (see http:\/\/soiltesting.tamu.edu\/files\/profilesoil.pdf<\/a>).\u00a0 To use this approach, you collect your standard soil sample (likely a 6\u201d depth) which is analyzed for basic nutrients and any additional tests. A companion soil sample is collected at the same point beginning at 6\u201d then deeper into the soil.\u00a0 On the form (Fig. 1) you mark the depth of the subsoil sample as 6-12\u201d, 6-18\u201d, or 6-24\u201d.\u00a0 This sample is analyzed inexpensively for nitrate-N only, and it is credited to your crop requirement.\u00a0 It represents a potential cost savings on fertilizer N, especially in wetter regions of Texas where nitrate could be lost out the bottom of the root zone from excessive rains.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Fig. 1. Screenshot of the Texas A&M Soil profile test form. Note at the botton where the subsequent sampling depth of this second companion sample is marked. Testing choices include standard soil analysis (check box for Test 1) or soil profile nitrate-N only (check box for Test 11)<\/p><\/div>\n

5)\u00a0 Do you use a soil test lab that is out of state?<\/u><\/strong> If so, how do we know their soil fertility recommendations are appropriate for your farm?\u00a0 Nebraska soil test and fertility recommendations may be appropriate for corn there, but what about for a Texas field?\u00a0 What if you send soil test samples for cotton to Nebraska where cotton is not grown?\u00a0 So how do they make recommendations for cotton?\u00a0\u00a0 (Do they get data from decades of Texas soil fertility research for cotton and place in their database?)\u00a0 You have a right to know.\u00a0 States outside of Texas may even use a different soil test method for some nutrients that is not appropriate for some Texas soil types.<\/p>\n

This is an even bigger question than what soil test philosophy an out-of-state lab uses.\u00a0 You need assurance that their recommendations are appropriate for Texas.\u00a0 So ask.<\/p>\n

6)\u00a0 It is possible in some cases to compare soil test recommendations from other labs to what Texas A&M recommends.<\/u><\/strong> The essential key is the other lab must<\/u> use the same standard soil extraction and analysis method that is the basis for Texas A&M AgriLife testing and recommendations. \u00a0Texas A&M methods for all soil tests are posted at http:\/\/soiltesting.tamu.edu\/webpages\/swftlmethods1209.html<\/a><\/p>\n

Texas A&M posts online numerous charts for N, P, and K that also reflect a yield goal. \u00a0This is done for the major crops of cotton, corn, grain sorghum, wheat, winter canola, and a few forage crops.\u00a0 You may view these charts at http:\/\/soiltesting.tamu.edu\/webpages\/recommendations.html<\/a> \u00a0For these crops you will find the recommended fertilizer application for a target yield goal based on a soil test value (what chemistry measures) of the nutrient.\u00a0 Unfortunately, there is less information for other crops, so Texas A&M recommendations become uncoupled from yield goal (no range of yields are provided).\u00a0 So, for crops like sunflower, peanut, sesame and several forages this comparison cannot be done.<\/p>\n

If you make this comparison, you can rightly assume the Texas A&M AgriLife recommendation is based on providing what your crop needs for the coming crop year.\u00a0 In addition to ensuring the two labs are using the same extraction and analysis method, you will need to know what soil test philosophy is used by the other lab.<\/p>\n

7)\u00a0 Using soil test information when buying and selling farmland<\/u><\/strong>. If you are considering purchasing farmland, have you thought about asking for recent soil test reports?\u00a0 Or better, can you get permission from the seller to soil test the property?\u00a0 This is rarely if ever done, but why not?\u00a0 Information from soil testing could potentially demonstrate a swing of $50 per acre or more on the value of the land.\u00a0 If residual soil fertility is high and you find there is 60 lbs. of soil nitrate-N below 6\u201d (that is probably worth at least $25 per acre), you can better justify your price.\u00a0 If you find that soil test P is \u2018low\u2019 (10-20 ppm P2<\/sub>O5<\/sub> equivalent) and you have a build and maintain approach to your cropping, then you can calculate how much P fertilizer\u2014a significant cost\u2014it will take to reach your goals.\u00a0 This of course detracts from the value of the land to you.<\/p>\n

If you are denied the opportunity to soil test a unit of land for sale, what does that say?\u00a0 If should decrease your interest in paying as much for the land.\u00a0 On the other hand, if you are selling land that you know has good soil nutrient status, invite prospective buyers to soil sample.\u00a0 You could do this yourself and provide the information though this is not independent.<\/p>\n

8) How long should you keep soil test reports for each field? <\/u><\/strong>I recommend you treat them like previous years\u2019 tax returns.\u00a0 Keep them a long time, even more than 25 years.\u00a0 A historical record of soil tests can show you what changes have occurred in your soil over time.\u00a0 Have you improved overall soil fertility (this would be for nutrients other than nitrogen)?\u00a0 Or has it degraded over time?\u00a0 Perhaps at some point you change how you tilled the soil or applied your P, then you can see if that is reflected in your soil tests.<\/p>\n

And like #7 above, if you are considering purchasing a unit of land, ask if they have soil sample reports over past years.\u00a0 If you were buying a vehicle or tractor, you would like evidence the oil has been changed regularly.\u00a0 That reflects better care.\u00a0 Soil tests reports can do the same for buyers\u2014and sellers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Calvin Trostle
Professor and Extension Specialist
Lubbock, TX
803.746.6101
ctrostle@ag.tamu.edu<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

by Dr. Calvin Trostle, Extension Agronomy, TAMU Soil & Crop Sciences, Lubbock, (806) 723-8432, ctrostle@ag.tamu.edu Farmers across Texas are familiar with standard soil testing procedures and many make use of soil tests to determine fertilizer applications for a wide range of crops and soil types.\u00a0 You have likely been encouraged to soil test annually and \u201cDon\u2019t Guess\u2014Soil Test\u201d to better pinpoint your soil fertility program. Overall soil testing information from Texas A&M is found at http:\/\/soiltesting.tamu.edu\/\u00a0 Included is instructions on how to sample, what types of test you… Read More →<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1371,"featured_media":1535,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[46,55],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1534","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-46","category-november-2018"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nEight Considerations to Get More Value for Your Soil Test Dollars - Texas Row Crops Newsletter<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/agrilife.org\/texasrowcrops\/2018\/11\/06\/eight-considerations-to-get-more-value-for-your-soil-test-dollars\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Eight Considerations to Get More Value for Your Soil Test Dollars - Texas Row Crops Newsletter\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"by Dr. Calvin Trostle, Extension Agronomy, TAMU Soil & Crop Sciences, Lubbock, (806) 723-8432, ctrostle@ag.tamu.edu Farmers across Texas are familiar with standard soil testing procedures and many make use of soil tests to determine fertilizer applications for a wide range of crops and soil types.\u00a0 You have likely been encouraged to soil test annually and \u201cDon\u2019t Guess\u2014Soil Test\u201d to better pinpoint your soil fertility program. 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Screenshot of the Texas A&M Soil profile test form. Note at the botton where the subsequent sampling depth of this second companion sample is marked. 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