Basic soil testing is the foundation of your operation’s fertility planning and regulatory compliance. However, the key to successful fertility planning is understanding the soil test results and implementing a plan to address problem areas, drive yield, and ensure long-term compliance with regulations. That’s why a member of the Rosetree Consulting team meets annually with each Soil Testing client to discuss what your soil test results mean. Your consultant then works with you to develop a customized Farm Plan outlining all manure, fertilizer & pesticide decisions for the coming year focused on 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices known to improve nutrient use efficiency. This plan is written out in detail and provided as your operation’s Annual Crop Management Report so you can reference it throughout the growing season to meet & exceed your yield goals.
Basic soil testing uses industry-standard soil testing practices to obtain a representative sample – 10-15 cores per field at a 6-7” depth. This soil testing method is best for small fields with high base fertility, fields without yield variability, and/or operations not planning variable rate applications.
Rosetree’s Basic Soil Testing Service tests ½ of all fields annually, rotating. The analysis includes:
- pH
- Buffer pH
- Organic matter (OM)
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Cation exchange capacity (CEC)
- % exchange capacity for the following:
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Calcium
Basic Soil Testing customers also receive RtC’s Farm Planning service items (in-person planning meetings, GIS-developed maps, and written Annual Crop Management Report).
Optional Service Add-ons:
- Surface pH testing and/or nutrient stratification testing (for continuous no-till operations)
- Subsurface acidity testing (for gypsum applications)
- Micronutrient soil analysis
- Manure or Nutrient Management recordkeeping for Act 38 Nutrient Management Plan or Manure Management Plan requirements
Additional fields (beyond ½ of your acreage) can be tested by request. Request a consultion for your farm or land in Pennsylvania today.
