How to...
results and the application of remedial strategies to ensure the
maintenance of optimum conditions for crop growth.
The objectives of soil analysis are based on the need for
information, which will determine the timing of the sampling
procedure. Initial sampling provides an input to soil preparation
prior to planting as well as the determination of management
units, areas of similar soil form, depth and level of coarse material
which require similar management strategies. Maintenance
sampling provides input to the quality and effectiveness of the
irrigation scheduling and fertilisation regimes.
PREPARATION
Once the decision has been taken to conduct a soil analysis,
the following preparation has to be undertaken in order to
achieve accurate results. The first step is the preparation of a
sampling plan. This plan indicates where the samples are to be
taken as well as the depth of the samples and is based on the
specific objectives of the analysis. For example, the sampling
plan for soil preparation will be very different to a maintenance
sampling exercise. Also obtain sampling tools as well as suitable
containers for the gathered samples.
Planning:
Initial profile pits should be dug on a 50x50m grid in order
to evaluate the soil conditions so as to determine the borders
of cultivation or management units. Should large variances
in soil conditions exist between the trial pits, intermediate pits
should be dug in order to establish where the soil transitions are.
These units will be chosen on soil form, depth and coarseness
as they will require similar management strategies. Thereafter
the collection of representative samples for analysis from each
of the management units may be undertaken. For tree and
vineyard crops, separate samples should be taken from the
topsoil and subsoil.
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