Sampling for success

Timing

by Scott Fleming

Pulling a quality soil sample is rule number one of soil analysis. The most accurate laboratory in the world cannot accurately evaluate anything without a quality, representative sample. Planning and timing rules call for soil sampling every four years, but many other considerations exist that affect this ideal sample.

Nutrient management planning is a prevalent director of soil sampling schemes and plays into every sampling strategy. Crop rotation and input prices tend to direct both the sampling plan and even the decision to sample in many cases. What likely seems to be an uncomplicated subject can quickly become overwhelming, but learning more about key factors affecting soil sampling and analysis can help prepare operators to make the best decision for future fertility success.

Representative samples

Between almost two decades of soil sampling experience and directing a sampling crew for most of that time, I’ve had the opportunity to glean the good and the bad across all types of soil sampling. One of the most common things we hear is, “The soil is always there; why can’t you sample it now?” While it is always possible to put soil in a sample bag, it is not always possible to pull a high-quality, representative soil sample. Most often, such snipes are made when it comes to sampling following primary tillage. The soil is indeed present, but tillage has destroyed the soil’s structure. It’s no longer a homogeneous, stable substance. Instead, it has a series of peaks and valleys that are full of air. The easiest means to introduce error into a soil sample is through inconsistent sampling depth. And as you’ve probably gathered through this story, it is nearly impossible to have a consistent sample depth in an environment like that after tillage.

The second most common reason a field must be bypassed for sampling is because of manure application. The reasons for this are more apparent than those surrounding tillage. Manure is applied as a fertility source; therefore, application of manure could substantially change the soil analysis value.

The manure application method also plays a significant role in the decision to sample. While not ideal, soil sampling may still be an option following a light application of poultry litter. However, soil sampling is generally out of the equation following a dragline application of liquid dairy manure. Not only is there a large amount of fertility that may contribute to inconsistencies, but the application method of injected manure also includes tillage.

Is it fall, y’all?

Pulling soil samples following harvest in the fall has long been considered the only “acceptable” timing. While this timing may appear to be the standard for soil sampling, it is certainly not the only window of time to pull a soil sample.

My colleagues and I have evaluated data and written a hearty handful of articles on this subject. A quick internet search will yield more than one article on this heavily debated topic. Research has shown that seasonal variation between spring soil sampling and fall soil sampling does not exist at a level that will warrant significant management decision changes.

Identifying a soil sampling program that will fit into your operation is far more valuable than always pulling samples in the fall. This may include sampling in July following wheat harvest or after third crop alfalfa to spread out the fall harvest rush. This may even include sampling corn after planting to develop and incorporate timely lime recommendations prior to reseeding. My overarching response to the common question of timing is, “It is more important to pull a good soil sample than to insist it must be pulled in the fall.”

A small price to pay

The majority of fertility management decisions are based on soil test results. But on the balance sheet, soil sampling is a fairly small number compared to most crop inputs. Few other, if any, inputs cost less than a bushel of corn per year. Who wouldn’t give up a bushel of corn to ensure they are making the right soil fertility management decisions?

The price aspect of sampling could also be viewed from the savings side. Think back to the old 1980’s soil sampling literature with the tagline, “Soil sampling doesn’t cost, it pays!” While much has changed since then, they weren’t wrong. One ton of potash will likely run around $900 this fall.

In most areas, a 2.5-acre grid soil sampling package that includes variable rate technology (VRT) recommendations is under $10 per acre. Soil sampling will pay for itself if just 25 pounds of fertilizer savings is identified over the life of the soil sample — which in many cases is four years! My bets are placed.

Aim for more often

Conventional wisdom says the minimum soil sampling requirements are one sample per five acres every four years. There is nothing on a farm or ranch that is ever done at the minimum level. No cattleman does just enough to get by. No producer plants a crop and walks away. Yet, many of my encounters in the field are with operators who are trying to do less than the bare minimum when it comes to soil sampling. The margins are too tight and the decisions are far too important to employ such a delinquent strategy. My argument typically revolves around the ideal that temporal and spatial frequency should be increased well beyond the minimums required in a nutrient management plan. The benefits of additional sampling are nearly endless. More data for management decisions, greater flexibility, and a better program fit are just a few advantages. But by far, the greatest may be improved compliance.

With increased spatial frequency of soil sampling, the chances of not having enough samples for nutrient management plan compliance are eliminated. By pulling soil samples more frequently, there is no fear of having another strike against you during a compliance review if the sampler doesn’t stay ahead of the plow or the manure applicator is there earlier than expected. You simply regroup and ensure you get the samples pulled next year — with less stress for all parties involved.

In the end, confidence plays a key role in the strategy built around soil sampling and analysis for nutrient management. The scheme, frequency, and timing comes down to how much information the end user needs in order to make decisions for regulatory, financial, and management success. In times like these, when nutrient applications are highly regulated and input and commodity prices will make or break a farm business, the more you know can offer confidence in decisions for years to come. 

KUHN INTERCEPTOR 8055 OFFERS A HIGH-SPEED CONSERVATION TILLAGE OPTION

Kuhn North America is pleased to introduce the Interceptor 8055 highspeed conservation tillage tool for sizing, distributing, and incorporating residue into a full cut width of worked soil. Residue is mixed throughout the soil profile, aiding breakdown and preventing a “mat” of residue from being formed either on or below the soil surface. The Interceptor 8055 can be used to control green growth, particularly in the presence of herbicide-resistant weeds.

An innovative stability control system helps reduce the “hopping” that often characterizes high-speed, full-width tillage tools. Individually mounted Excalibur CT blades operate on a shallow compound angle to reduce smearing and compaction by limiting weight on the backside of the blade. Nine-inch blade spacing provides a full-width cut-out, and the two parallel rows are arranged in a tandem layout to prevent “dog-tracking” or windrowing of residue. The distance between the rows of blades allows soil and residue to land, reducing the risk of plugging in wet conditions. Behind the front row of blades, a heavy-duty tine harrow controls soil and residue flow to help prevent buildup and improves residue distribution across the field. Depth is controlled from the tires in the center of the machine and is adjusted from a single point. At the rear of the machine, the Star Wheel treaders and 24/7 reel attachment provide excellent leveling and clod sizing. Maintenance-free features are incorporated throughout the Interceptor 8055, reducing daily maintenance and increasing machine uptime.

The Interceptor 8055 is available in 30-foot (29-foot RTK), 36-foot (35-foot RTK), and 40-foot (39-foot 6-inch RTK) working widths and is designed to be used at field speeds of 8 to 10 mph. For more information, visit www.kuhn-usa.

Gea Slopescreen With Opticlean Technology Adapts To Needs Of The Future

Case Ih And Raven Industries Debut First Autonomous Spreader

Case IH and Raven Industries introduce the agriculture industry’s first autonomous spreader: the Case IH Trident 5550 applicator with Raven Autonomy. It combines proven driverless technology with an agronomically designed spreading platform. The technology stack is powered by guidance and steering, propulsion control, perception, and path planning software developed by Raven.

From a mobile device, operators can plan and complete an entire field operation based on mapped field boundaries. The Raven Autonomy perception system, through a series of advanced cameras and radar system, is constantly sensing a 360-degree environment around the machine for obstacles and motion initiation while operating. With artificial intelligence, the perception controller processes the continuous stream of images. By operating at a constant speed, the autonomous applicator provides ultimate spreading consistency and allows for repeatable performance with sub-inch accuracy.

The Case IH Trident 5550 applicator with Raven Autonomy will be operating with limited availability in 2023. For more information, visit https://info. caseih.com/CIHAutonomy.html and www.ravenind.com.

The newly redesigned SlopeScreen separator from GEA Farm Technologies delivers enhanced functionality and performance. With the new stainless steel construction featuring a unique wedge wire screen, the GEA SlopeScreen has a modular design that can grow based on customer needs. The separation surface can be adapted to different flow rates and animal numbers and ranges from 32 to 96 square feet. It can be configured in a single stage (screen only) or a two-stage separator with the addition of a roller screen and press for more water capture and drier solids.

GEA SlopeScreen separator benefits include greater throughput, adaptability, reliability, accuracy, efficiency, and longevity. The labor required for frequent washing can also be eliminated by automating it with the OptiClean system. OptiClean uses pressurized water to remove fiber and includes an integrated chemical system to remove minerals and soil. It can be added to new or existing SlopeScreen separators and is programmable for sitespecific conditions.

For more information about the GEA SlopeScreen and OptiClean, visit www.gea.com.

Professional Directory

ANAEROBIC DIGESTER SERVICES

Agricultural Digesters LLC

88 Holland Ln. #302 Williston, VT 05495

802-876-7877 info@AgriculturalDigesters.com www.AgriculturalDigesters.com

Future Enviroassets LLC

513-349-3844

LF@futureenviroassets.com www.futureenviroassets.com

ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS

Hall Associates

23 Evergreen Dr. Georgetown, DE 19947-9484 302-855-0723 hallassociates@mediacombb.net

Tomorrow Water

1225 N. Patt St. Anaheim, CA 92801 714-578-0676 info@bkt21.com tomorrowwater.com

Trident Processes Inc.

1-800-799-3740 frank.engel@tridentprocesses.com www.tridentprocesses.com

COATINGS

Industrial Solutions

5115 S. Rolling Green Ave. Ste. 211 Sioux Falls, SD 57108 605-254-6059 www.isusananoclear.com

DEWATERING EQUIPMENT

Bauer North America Inc.

107 Eastwood Rd. Michigan City, IN 46360 800-922-8375 bnasales@bauer-at.com www.bauer-at.com

Press Technology & Mfg. Inc.

1401 Fotler Street Springfield, OH 45504 937-327-0755 dberner@presstechnology.com

WASTE HANDLING EQUIPMENT

R Braun Inc. 209 N. 4th Ave. St. Nazianz, WI 54232 920-773-2143 www.RBrauninc.com

Places To Be

2022 Sustainable Agriculture Summit

November 16 and 17, 2022 Glendale, Ariz.

Details: sustainableagsummit.org

Iowa State University Integrated Crop Management Conference

November 30 and December 1, 2022 Ames, Iowa

Details: aep.iastate.edu/icm

Wisconsin Agribusiness Classic

January 11 to 12, 2023 Madison, Wis.

Details: wiagribusiness.org

R Braun Inc. 209 N. 4th Ave. St. Nazianz, WI 54232 920-773-2143 www.RBrauninc.com

Doda USA

255 16th St. S. St. James, MN 56081 507-375-5577 dodausa.com

WASTE HANDLING NUTRIENT SPREADERS

Kuhn North America P.O. Box 167 Brodhead, WI 53520 Kuhn-usa.com

Oxbo International 800-628-6196 oxbo.com

WATER TECHNOLOGY

Bauer North America Inc. 107 Eastwood Rd. Michigan City, IN 46360 800-922-8375 bnasales@bauer-at.com www.bauer-at.com

 Don’t see your company listed? Send your company information to marketing@ jofnm.com with Professional Directory in the subject line.

COMPOST 2023

January 24 to 27, 2023

Ontario, Calif.

Details: compostconference.com

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Trade Show and Convention

February 1 to 3, 2023

New Orleans, La.

Details: ncba.org/events

World Ag Expo

February 14 to 16, 2023

Tulare, Calif.

Details: worldagexpo.com

Midwest Forage Association/ Wisconsin Custom Operators Symposium

February 20 to 22, 2023 Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

Details: midwestforage.org

Minnesota Pork Conference

February 21 and 22, 2023 Mankato, Minn.

Details: mnporkcongress.com

Midwest Manure Summit

February 28, 2023

Green Bay, Wis.

Details: dairy.extension.wisc.edu/events/ midwest-manure-summit

If you would like us to include your event on our list, please send details to info@jofnm.com