Not all soil tests are created equal and the advice you are being given maybe connected to someone also wanting to sell you fertiliser.

In this episode of Where Inches Matter, host Alan Piercy from Agraforum breaks down the science behind soil testing and why it’s crucial to look into it deeper for getting the best results on your farm. 

Alan explains what to ask for in a soil test, including key elements like pH, CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity), and ASC (Anion Storage Capacity), which help determine how nutrients behave in your soil.

Using a classic beer analogy, Alan illustrates how different soils hold onto or lose nutrients like phosphorus and sulfur.

If you’re in the South Island, chances are your soil isn’t holding onto these elements effectively, meaning much of your fertiliser could be washing away before your plants even use it!

He also dives into the importance of oxygen in soil structure, how plants take up nutrients, and why timing matters when applying fertilisers.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a better understanding of how to interpret your soil tests, make smarter fertiliser decisions, and ultimately improve plant and animal health.

Key Topics:

✔ Why soil testing is essential (and what to watch out for)
✔ Understanding ASC and how it affects nutrient loss
✔ How oxygen impacts nutrient uptake and plant health
✔ The connection between soil fertility and animal nutrition

🔎 Want to learn more? Visit www.agraforum.co.nz for details on soil testing, fertiliser strategies, and proven methods to improve soil structure and animal health.

Not all soil tests are created equal and the advice you are being given maybe connected to someone also wanting to sell you fertiliser.
In this episode of&nbsp;Where Inches Matter, host Alan Piercy from Agraforum breaks down the science behind soil testing and why it&rsquo;s crucial to look into it deeper for getting the best results on your farm.&nbsp;
Alan explains what to ask for in a soil test, including key elements like pH, CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity), and ASC (Anion Storage Capacity), which help determine how nutrients behave in your soil.
Using a classic beer analogy, Alan illustrates how different soils hold onto or lose nutrients like phosphorus and sulfur.
If you&rsquo;re in the South Island, chances are your soil isn&rsquo;t holding onto these elements effectively, meaning much of your fertiliser could be washing away before your plants even use it!
He also dives into the importance of oxygen in soil structure, how plants take up nutrients, and why timing matters when applying fertilisers.
By the end of this episode, you&rsquo;ll have a better understanding of how to interpret your soil tests, make smarter fertiliser decisions, and ultimately improve plant and animal health.
Key Topics:
✔ Why soil testing is essential (and what to watch out for) ✔ Understanding ASC and how it affects nutrient loss ✔ How oxygen impacts nutrient uptake and plant health ✔ The connection between soil fertility and animal nutrition
🔎 Want to learn more? Visit <a href="https://www.agraforum.co.nz">www.agraforum.co.nz </a>for details on soil testing, fertiliser strategies, and proven methods to improve soil structure and animal health.

Soil health is the foundation of productive & profitable farming, but why aren't we focused on fixing soil structure and nutrients to improv animal health?

The answers lies just a few inches beneath the surface Where Inches Matter.

Hosted by Allan Piercy—dairy veterinarian-turned-soil nutrient advisor—dives deep into the unseen factors of poor cow performance that are hindering New Zealand dairy farms success.

Drawing on decades of experience in his own rural veterinary practice and hands-on work with farmer's cow health issues.

Allan explores the critical connection between soil compaction, nutrient imbalances, and livestock health. From the unintended consequences of urea use to global insights on soil restoration, this series uncovers practical solutions that can transform pastures, improve crop yields, and enhance animal wellbeing.

Join Allan as he shares his real-world experiences, farmer interviews, and innovative strategies to help farmers build healthier soils and more sustainable operations. Because in farming, small changes beneath the surface can lead to big results above it.

For more information about Agraforum, visit https://agraforum.co.nz/ 

Soil health is the foundation of productive &amp; profitable farming, but why aren't we focused on fixing soil structure and nutrients to improv animal health?
The answers lies just a few inches beneath the surface Where Inches Matter.
Hosted by Allan Piercy&mdash;dairy veterinarian-turned-soil nutrient advisor&mdash;dives deep into the unseen factors of poor cow performance that are hindering New Zealand dairy farms success.
Drawing on decades of experience in his own rural veterinary practice and hands-on work with farmer's cow health issues.
Allan explores the critical connection between soil compaction, nutrient imbalances, and livestock health. From the unintended consequences of urea use to global insights on soil restoration, this series uncovers practical solutions that can transform pastures, improve crop yields, and enhance animal wellbeing.
Join Allan as he shares his real-world experiences, farmer interviews, and innovative strategies to help farmers build healthier soils and more sustainable operations. Because in farming, small changes beneath the surface can lead to big results above it.
For more information about Agraforum, visit <a href="https://agraforum.co.nz/">https://agraforum.co.nz/</a>&nbsp;

How fixing the soil can improve dairy cow health & performance

Where Inches Matter by Agraforum

Ep 3 - How to truly read a soil test to be effective with your fertiliser

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a2570606-bd96-4ab1-a090-af2d0043a8bb/clips/370b2d0b-aec5-4229-a431-b297017a3c87/transcript

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