Stansbery Seed and Service
Systematic soil testing is the first step toward higher yields and quality.
Whether you prefer grid, or random soil sampling, a systematic soil testing program is the first step in creating higher crop yields and quality. The long-term financial success of a farm requires a sound crop fertility program based on a thorough knowledge of soil resources and crop needs.
Grid Sampling
Our goal is to utilize the new SST Sirrus technology to produce the most accurate nutrient recommendations to balance your fields soil fertility. The sampling procedure consists of hand-probing a set of seven samples, from an area of 2.5 acres, at a depth of 6 inches. This is followed by sending the samples into a lab to be tested, usually a three day turnaround period. When the results are in, we provide a recommendation map for the elements needed in each specific area of the field. We also provide a flash drive of the maps for your application conveniences.
Soil Testing Packages
Soil Package 1
Basic Soil Test Package
Includes: Soil pH, Buffer pH, Organic Matter, Available Phosphorus, Exchangeable Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Cation Exchange Capacity, Percent Base Saturation of Cation Elements with recommendations.
Soil Package 2
Basic Plus Soil Test Package
Includes: Basic Soil Test plus choice of any three of the following micro-nutrients: Boron, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Sulfur and Zinc with recommendations.
Soil Package 3
Complete Soil Package
Includes: Basic Soil Test plus Boron, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Sulfur and Zinc with recommendations.
We recommend grid sampling every 3, or 4 years as the best option. It provides you with a GPS accurate definition of your soil fertility whereas random sampling gives you only a general idea of what your soil fertility is in a much larger portion of a field.
As shown in the map: The recommendation map shows that only half of the 156 acre field will need an application of lime, based on the grid sampling method. When random sampled, the results show that the entire field is sufficient in lime, when in reality a portion of the field needs an application of lime.