Why should I test my soil before planning fertility?
Soil testing provides a snapshot of available nutrients, organic matter, pH, and soil health indicators. Without a test, fertilizer programs are based on assumptions — increasing the risk of overspending, undersupplying critical nutrients, or missing hidden deficiencies that limit yield potential.
How often should I test my soil?
We recommend testing every field at least once every two to three years under stable management. Fields undergoing major changes (new crops, new tillage, fertility build programs) should be tested annually to track progress accurately.
What is CEC and why is it important?
Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) measures the soil’s ability to hold and exchange nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and calcium. A higher CEC usually means your soil can hold more nutrients and water, impacting nutrient availability. Lower CEC soils are lighter, drain faster, and require more frequent nutrient applications.
What soil depth should I sample at?
For standard fertility planning, sample at 0-6 inches (0-15 cm). For nitrogen management planning (especially in cereals or corn), additional deep cores from 6-24 inches (15-60 cm) are often recommended to measure stored nitrate-N.
How soon after sending samples will I get my results?
- Soil test results: typically 5–7 business days from receipt at the lab.
- Plant tissue test results: typically 3–5 business days from receipt. Taurus ensures samples are expedited and tracked for minimal delays.
Can I combine multiple soil zones into one sample?
To get actionable data for precision fertility, it’s best to sample similar soil types separately (ex: sandy hilltops vs heavy low spots). Composite samples from uniform areas are acceptable, but mixing dramatically different soils can obscure real nutrient differences.
Do I need to dry the soil samples before sending them?
No, send samples in field-moist condition using clean sample bags. If very wet, lightly air-dry for a few hours but do not oven dry — it can alter nutrient availability results.