Farmers rely heavily on the health of their soil, not just for a successful crop, but for the sustainability of their farm. Protecting the soil is an important part of being a good farmer.
Testing soil: One way to ensure that soil is healthy is to take soil samples.
Taking soil samples: Farmers use a soil probe into the ground 4-8 inches to retrieve a core of soil. The sample is then put into a plastic bucket (metal or galvanized buckets may result in incorrect sample results). 12-15 cores of soil will need to be taken across the area being tested to get the most complete understanding of the soil. Once all the samples have been taken and mixed in a bucket, they will be packaged into special boxes to be sent to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
How often is soil sampled?: North Carolina hog farmers are required, by law, to take soil samples every three years, but many farmers take them annually.
What is being tested?: For hog farms, the main thing being tested is phosphorous levels and heavy metals like zinc and copper. The test also tells farmers the PH and nutrients of the soil. All this lets farmers know what the soil needs to grow crops (e.g. lime, fertilizer, etc.). Farmers only put enough nutrients on the field as can be absorbed to prevent run-off, reduce costs, and grow the best quality crops possible.
Soil is a farmer’s most precious asset, and they are deeply connected to it. Soil sampling is just one practice that farmers employ to protect the health of the land they care for.
