How the Seasons Can Affect Soil Testing

Are you planning soil testing in Hudson, CO? The time of year may affect your results. Before you complete your soil testing, consider the following facts. These tips will help you schedule your testing appropriately for optimal results.

Consistency is crucial

Whether you test your soil in the fall or spring is less important than consistent testing. If you complete soil testing in Hudson, CO in the fall this year, you should perform this task in the fall next year, as well. Maintain a regular schedule each year, so your results are not tainted by seasonal differences. This will provide a more accurate testing of your soil, rather than a simple reading of where your soil happens to be in the current growth and harvest cycle.

Test any time

You can complete soil testing in Hudson, CO in spring, summer or fall. Each season offers benefits and drawbacks for testing at that time. A key factor is to interpret the results of the soil test based on the season.

Fall is optimal

In many areas, a majority of growers sample their fields in the fall. This allows for calculation of fertilizer application for the coming winter months. Over the cold season, the soil has time to prepare for the next crop season.

Keep in mind that fall testing typically shows some variability in phosphorus and potassium. Leaching and weather conditions can especially affect potassium. If soil is sampled after harvest during a dry fall, the potassium results are usually lower.

Spring is steady

If you complete soil testing in Hudson, CO in the spring, you’ll probably get the most consistent results. However, you may experience some increases in pH and potassium. These increases are due to increased organic matter during the spring. Fluctuations in phosphorus are less likely.

Summer is low

If you test in the summer, keep in mind that this typically provides the lowest soil test results. In the middle of growing season, the soil will lack nutrients because the crops have depleted the soil’s supply. These nutrients will return to the soil during other seasons when the crops are removed. However, during July and August, crops are maturing, and the soil test results will be lowest during this season.

Expert input is valuable

Still not sure when you want to schedule your soil testing in Hudson, CO? For expert input and assistance, contact your local soil testing professionals. They can review your land use and any other unique circumstances and recommend the best time for your test, as well as complete this task for you.

Call us any season

Whether you need assistance in the winter, spring, summer or fall, High Plains Engineering & Design, LLC has you covered. Contact us year-round with your agricultural needs. Our office provides practical expertise backed by diverse design resources to get the job done cost-effectively and efficiently, with sustainability in mind. Call us today for an estimate for soil testing or a variety of additional commercial and residential services. We look forward to becoming your service partner for life.

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