Spring Soil Testing Benefits

by | Feb 20, 2017 | 5 Ag Stories, News

by Ken Root & Whitney Flach

Profit Matters 2-20-17

Most farmers get their soil tested in the spring for the next growing season and act accordingly.

John Grandin Senior Manager, Field Sales Agronomist and Nutrient Management Director for GROWMARK, says there are lots of good reasons to do soil testing for 2018, this spring.

“I would like to change people’s mindset and pull soil samples in the springtime. Let’s think in terms of next fall and get a jump start on that whole process.” Grandin says “First and foremost, it gives everybody a lot more time to get the process complete. In the Springtime essentially all fields are ready at the same time to sample so they could start the process.”

This process can be beneficial for the farmers time. “Give yourself a heads up. This is not a rushed job for this spring. If you need to take some more time, give this back to me in a week instead of two days. I’m fine with that. I’m not using your data until next fall.”

Grandin explains the perks to testing in the spring. “Most importantly whoever is doing the data analysis paring recommendation it gives them plenty of time to look through the data, see if anything stands out as being odd, or needs to be revisited or collected extra sample or two.”

Grandin concludes, “You can sit down with the grower and make a very informed decision sometime in the summertime, and not be rushed in the fall. That has some very key advantages.”