Analyze Soil Health

We use soil testing as a crop management tool. A comprehensive soil analysis from a professional laboratory (unlike the simple N-P-K test offered by most local extension offices) is the best way to begin the transformation of your pasture into a top-quality grass farm. The test should check N-P-K, the trace mineral elements (sulfur, calcium, magnesium, boron, copper, iron, manganese, zinc), soluble salts, percent of base saturation, pH, and CEC. When you use a comprehensive test to analyze soil health, you can build a progressive grass farming program, which means your soil will improve every year.

We also strongly recommend using a testing lab that is familiar with high-performance Bermuda grass production specifically.

An annual soil analysis is the foundation of your soil fertility program. Fertilizing your grass is the second stage, building on the foundation of healthy soil.

Analyzing Soil Health

The discoverer of World Feeder Bermuda Grass, Louis Gordon, said on many occasions, "The grass is only as good as the soil beneath it." Over the years, we have seen this over and over again. The farmers who struggle to get their grass established are almost always the ones who ignored our soil fertility management recommendations. Even if you have poor soil on your land right now, we can work with you to make it productive for World Feeder. Just keep in mind the rule-of-thumb that says that the grass can only produce what the soil has to give it. If you have poor soil and want big production, you will have to invest the money, resources, and time it will take to get there.

Soil Test Procedures

In the U.S., the fall of the year is the best time to get your soil tested. You will need a shovel and a clean plastic bucket. Do not use a metal bucket.

1. Dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and throw aside this dirt so you have an empty hole.
2. Back up one inch behind an edge of the hole and dig straight down 6-8 inches again, slicing off an inch of soil.
3. Put the 1-inch strip in your bucket.
4. Repeat this procedure throughout your field 12-15 times.
5. Mix samples in the bucket very well. Be certain to break up any clumps.
6. Put only one pint of soil into a plastic zip-lock bag.
7. Mail it in a suitable box to the laboratory.
8. Results usually take 1-2 weeks.

You should repeat this procedure for each soil type "zone" on your land that you plan to cultivate. In other words, if you have one area that is sandy-loam and another area that is a salty "hot spot," these would require two different soil analysis tests.

Also, to help the agronomist prepare the best recommendations for you, you should describe, on a separate piece of paper, any of the geographic conditions of the land. For instance, if it has a low spot where water gathers, or an electric power company easement along one side, or a creek, etc., then we recommend that you draw a sketch of the property, showing any unusual or notable conditions.

Other information that would be helpful would be the number of acres you plan to cultivate, the specific crop name (e.g., World Feeder Bermuda Grass), and the amount of hay (in tons) per acre that you have as a production goal.