Never Buy Farmland Without This Soil Test
You can do your own soil analysis to analyze the composition of the soil and the type of soil at your property or the property your are interested in. USDA has made many resources available online for free for you to use. Many thing to consider when buying farmland are: soil type, soil profile including any hardpan, pH level of soil, salt content in soil and in water for irrigation, NPK composition in the soil, Secondary elements and minerals in the soil, and last use of pesticides on the land.
Before we delve into the soil analysis process, let's briefly discuss the different types of soil. There are three main types: sand, silt, and clay. Sandy soils have good water drainage but struggle to retain moisture and nutrients. Silty soils hold more moisture than sandy soils but require careful management of water drainage. Clay soils are heavier and have drainage issues, but they excel at retaining moisture and nutrients. Each soil type has its advantages and challenges in cultivation.
USDA Soil Survey:
The USDA provides a valuable online tool called the Web Soil Survey. You can access it by visiting the USDA website and clicking on "Start Web Soil Survey." This tool allows you to explore soil profiles and series in specific areas. You can use the magnifying tool to zoom in on an area of interest or directly search for a property address. The survey provides detailed information about soil properties, classifications, components, and more.
Understanding Soil Profiles:
By utilizing the Web Soil Survey, you can discover different soil series in your area of interest. Each soil series has unique characteristics and composition. By clicking on a specific soil series, you can access detailed information such as soil degradation, elevation, mean precipitation, temperature, and composition percentages. This data helps you understand the soil conditions and whether it is suitable for your intended purposes, such as farming or gardening.
Identifying Hard Pans:
One crucial aspect of soil analysis is identifying the presence of hard pans. Hard pans are naturally occurring hard layers beneath the soil surface that can affect root growth and water penetration. Shallow hard pans can be caused by repeated tractor activity, while deeper hard pans are formed by geological factors. If you encounter shallow hard pans, cover crops can help loosen the soil. However, for deeper hard pans, deep ripping with specialized equipment may be necessary to break up the compacted layers and improve root growth and water penetration.
The Importance of Deep Ripping:
Deep ripping involves using machinery to soften the soil, allowing roots to penetrate deeper and water to infiltrate the soil effectively. Deep ripping is particularly essential when planting trees or perennial crops. By breaking up hard pans, you enable the roots to access deeper soil layers and prevent water stagnation on the surface. This step ensures healthier plant growth and reduces the risk of root drowning.
Making Informed Decisions:
To determine whether deep ripping is necessary, physical soil testing is crucial. This involves collecting soil samples from various depths and analyzing them for their composition and characteristics. While you can hire a soil analysis company for this task, you can also perform it yourself with the right equipment, such as an auger. By collecting soil samples at different depths, you can evaluate the soil conditions and make informed decisions about the need for deep ripping or other soil improvement measures.
Conclusion:
Conducting a soil test and analysis is a vital step before purchasing farmland or starting a garden. The USDA's Web Soil Survey provides free resources to explore soil profiles and series in specific areas. By understanding the soil composition, presence of hard pans, and conducting physical soil tests, you can make informed decisions about soil management practices. Remember, each soil type has its advantages and challenges, and tailoring your approach based on the specific characteristics of your soil will lead to successful farming or gardening endeavors.