Soil sampling professionals use geoprobe technology to provide an analysis of the ground beneath your feet. With this information, you can ensure crops thrive on your farm. If you're curious about the particular ways this process will improve your farm, consider these benefits.

What Are the Advantages of Soil Sampling for Farms?

1. Avoid Soil Degradation

Each season, your crops use nutrients from the soil to help them grow. Over time, this will cause an imbalance and may lead to erosion. For example, barley takes a lot of nitrogen and potassium from the soil. Eventually, the soil it grows in may become deficient in those nutrients, affecting future harvests.

Soil sampling with a geoprobe is a noninvasive way to check nutrient levels. You can then rebalance the environment and move crops accordingly.

2.Create a Fertilizer Application Plan

A soil sample will also provide the information you need to create a fertilizer plan at the start of each growing season. For barley, you might use nitrogen fertilizer, while for potatoes, you might use potassium and phosphate fertilizer. Also, calculate how much lime to add to the soil to reach the ideal pH for each crop.

3. Be Environmentally Friendly

If you apply surplus manure and fertilizer to the soil, it may leach into nearby waterways. Phosphate and nitrogen in the water can lead to excess algae growth, damaging water quality and habitats. The contamination will also decrease the oxygen in the water, harming aquatic life.

Soil sampling will help you use chemicals more efficiently. Plus, when your crops receive the nutrients they need, they’ll leave less residue in the soil.

GeoTek Alaska in Anchorage will test your soil using geoprobe technology to tell you everything you need to know about it. In addition to soil sampling, they provide groundwater sampling, auger drilling, well monitoring, and a range of other geophysical services to provide accurate, practical data. Call (907) 569-5900 to make an appointment, or learn more about their soil sampling services online.