Not all soil tests are created equal and the advice you are being given maybe connected to someone also wanting to sell you fertiliser.

In this episode of Where Inches Matter, host Alan Piercy from Agraforum breaks down the science behind soil testing and why it’s crucial to look into it deeper for getting the best results on your farm.

Alan explains what to ask for in a soil test, including key elements like pH, CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity), and ASC (Anion Storage Capacity), which help determine how nutrients behave in your soil.

Using a classic beer analogy, Alan illustrates how different soils hold onto or lose nutrients like phosphorus and sulfur.

If you’re in the South Island, chances are your soil isn’t holding onto these elements effectively, meaning much of your fertiliser could be washing away before your plants even use it!

He also dives into the importance of oxygen in soil structure, how plants take up nutrients, and why timing matters when applying fertilisers.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a better understanding of how to interpret your soil tests, make smarter fertiliser decisions, and ultimately improve plant and animal health.

Key Topics:

✔ Why soil testing is essential (and what to watch out for)
✔ Understanding ASC and how it affects nutrient loss
✔ How oxygen impacts nutrient uptake and plant health
✔ The connection between soil fertility and animal nutrition

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.