Keep in mind, however, that the test results represent only a general average of nutrient levels within a field. These don't account for the variability within fields. The answer to that tells them the kinds of samples they should draw and the kinds of results to request from the lab. For some, it means taking samples from a precise grid and mapping the variability across a field. Here, farmers rely on previously accumulated information from field records or yield monitors to determine where to take separate samples.
Conservation tillage requires particular care when gathering samples.
Instead, he recommends splitting the sample-the top 3 inches in one sample and the underlying 3 inches in another. Click here . We'd like to hear from you. Your message will be posted to our bulletin board. First published December 2000.