Nutrient Management Program

Nutrient Management Advisor

New soil test is a good place to start when you need to update your plan.

We have sample bags and forms here in the office.  We also have soil probes that can be checked out.  Remember that it is very important to get a good representative sample in order to get good results.  Take 15 to 20 cores randomly spaced throughout the field, avoiding unusual areas such as wet ground, old barnyards etc.  Sample depth should be 8 inches. Break up the large clumps and mix the soil sample well before filling the bag.  Make sure to label the bag with the field number or name that matches your farm map.    Spring is also a time for spreading manure.  Yearly analysis of manures is a good practice due to rapidly changing feeding practices of poultry and livestock.  Again, it is important to take a representative sample.  For piled poultry litter for example, take several samples from around the pile, digging into the pile to avoid the extremely wet crust.  Mix these samples together on a sheet of plastic. Once mixed, you can put your sample into a labeled zip-lock bag.  We have supplies at the office such as bags, plastic sleeves and sample forms for different labs.    If you need assistance taking samples, either soil or manure, please stop by the office or call 410-778-1661.