Healthy soil isn’t just dirt—it’s a living, breathing system that relies on air pockets, bacteria, and delicate chemical balances to function properly. In this episode of Where Inches Matter, Allan Piercy breaks down the unseen physics behind soil structure in simple terms, explaining why good soil should be like a well-built card house, full of space for oxygen, water, and thriving microbes.

Allan explores how fertilisers and agrochemicals—many of which are salts—can disrupt this natural balance, causing soil particles to collapse and limiting the availability of essential nutrients. He also demystifies electrical conductivity (EC), a crucial but often overlooked measure of soil health. Using relatable analogies, he explains how EC determines plant growth, why spring brings a natural nutrient boost, and how compacted soils struggle to support crops without costly inputs.

If you’ve ever wondered why some soils naturally sustain plant growth while others require constant fertilisation, this episode will give you the answers. Tune in to learn how to restore your soil’s natural ability to support healthy pastures and crops—without breaking the bank.

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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

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In this episode of Where Inches Matter, host Allan Percy takes us deep into the hidden mechanics of soil health and why compacted soil could be holding your pasture back from their true potential!

When soil is too tight, plant roots struggle to grow, bacteria can’t thrive, and critical nutrients become locked away. But with the right approach, you can transform your soil, boost pasture growth, and improve your herd’s health—all by focusing on what’s happening beneath the surface.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🌱 Why Soil Structure Matters – Healthy soil isn’t just about nutrients; it’s about structure. Compaction limits oxygen flow, stifles beneficial microbes, and reduces water absorption. Allan explains how poor soil structure leads to stunted plant growth and why loosening the soil can dramatically improve your farm’s productivity.

🛠 Simple Tools for Measuring Soil Health – Learn how farmers assess soil compaction using a penetrometer, a tool that measures pressure in the ground. If your soil is too compacted (above 300 psi), feeder roots can’t spread, and beneficial fungi can’t support plant growth. Allan also shares a simple visual test you can do right in the paddock to check for compaction.

⚡ How Calcium Works as a Soil "Detonator" – Discover how applying EnviroCal (a product similar to GSR) can help loosen soil structure. Allan explains how calcium, when applied correctly, triggers a chain reaction that breaks up soil compaction and allows nutrients to move freely. Timing is everything—this process works best in wet conditions because water helps conduct the necessary electrical reactions.

🐄 Real-Life Results: More Grass, Healthier Cows – Hear about actual farms that have improved their soil with this method. Two long-term treated farms saw pasture production increase to over 3.4 tons per hectare, compared to untreated farms that struggled to grow even 700 kg. The farmers also reported healthier cows, reduced lameness, and fewer metabolic issues—all thanks to better soil structure.

📊 Scientific Validation: Measuring Soil Health with Macroporosity – Ellen discusses research conducted with soil scientist Dr. Gordon Rajendra. Using macroporosity testing, they found a direct correlation between soil aeration and pasture growth. Farms with healthy, flocculated soil had macroporosity levels of 25-26%, while compacted soils were as low as 7%, leading to major reductions in grass production.

Why This Matters for Your Farm

If your cows aren’t thriving, if you’re battling poor pasture growth, or if your soil feels like concrete, the problem isn’t just on the surface—it’s underneath. Fixing soil compaction can lead to:
✅ More productive pasture growth
✅ Better nutrient uptake for healthier cows
✅ Reduced reliance on chemical fertilisers like urea
✅ A stronger, more resilient farm

🎙 Stay tuned! Next episode, we’ll hear directly from a Canterbury farmer who’s seen the benefits firsthand.

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