Time for soil sampling

HNOW is the ideal time to identify fields on the farm that require fresh soil samples. Lime has many functions in the soil from controlling soil acidity to improving soil drainage to increasing the availability of major plant nutrients such as N, P, K & S. For example soils will release up to 80kg N/ha annually when the soil pH is maintained at the optimum pH 6.3. For grass, lime offers a double dividend in reduced chemical N requirements while growing additional grass annually at least cost. The autumn is a great time to apply lime as it will have the winter period to work and soils will be primed for the spring time. Apply lime now based on soil test result recommendations and don’t apply any more than 7.5t/ ha (3t/ac) in a single application.

For cereals soil test results will provide recommended rates of lime to correct soil pH to the optimum pH 6.5. Where crops such as oilseeds, beans or beet are part of the crop rotation aim for a target pH of 6.8. Aim to apply lime over the coming weeks and months to correct soil pH for either winter or spring crops. Lime is a soil conditioner and delivers many benefits to our soils from soil pH correction to improving soil structure at least cost. For winter crops where possible apply lime to ploughed / pressed soils. Optimising soil pH will provide the right soil conditions for the establishment of winter cereals.