SOIL SAMPLING

 

 

Soil Sampling Under the Nitrates Rules (2026 – 2028)

Soil testing is one of the key requirements under the Nitrates rules because it determines phosphorus (P) and nutrient status of your land — and this directly affects how much fertiliser you are allowed to apply.

Under existing Nitrates regulations that continue into the Sixth NAP period:

  • All farmers with a grassland stocking rate above 130 kg organic nitrogen per hectare (N/ha) must have up-to-date soil samples.

  • All tillage (arable) land must also be soil sampled.

  • If these samples are not available, your soil will be assumed to have a high Phosphorus Index (Index 4) — meaning no chemical P fertiliser or imported P is allowed.

  • Farms with lower stocking rates (below the 130 kg N/ha threshold) may be assumed to have Index 3 in the absence of samples, which still restricts P fertiliser usage.

 

 

How Many Soil Samples Do You Need?

The Nitrates rules don’t set a fixed “number of samples per farm,” but they do specify how your land must be covered:

Basic Sampling Rule

  • You must have one valid soil sample for every 5 hectares (max) of farmland.

  • This means the number of samples you send to the lab depends on:

    • Total farming area eligible for fertiliser use; and

    • Different soil types or management blocks on your farm.

Example calculation:

  • A farm with 25 ha of grass or tillage land = at least 5 soil samples (one per 5 ha).

  • A farm with 40 ha = at least 8 soil samples.

  • If your land has very different soils or cropping histories, take samples for each separate block — even if it’s smaller than 5 ha per block.

 

 

 

Timing

Ideally do not sample a field for P and K until six months after the last application of fertiliser P or K or slurry. Where lime has been applied, wait two years before sampling for lime requirements. Sample every three years in intensive farming.

Results of soil analysis are only as good as the sample on which they are based. A sample must be representative of the area sampled. Take twenty cores while walking in a ‘W’ pattern across the sampling area of two to four hectares. Cores should be taken to a depth of approx ten centimetres. Take separate samples from areas that are different in soil type, previous cropping history, drainage or persistent poor yields. Avoid any unusual spots such as old fences, ditches or drinking troughs.

Soil analysis Pays!

Soil analysis saves money. It avoids wasting lime and fertiliser, while achieving optimum yields by using the required level. It costs money, so take a good sample.

 

 

 

Validity and Frequency

  • Each soil sample is valid for up to four years for Nitrates compliance purposes.

  • After four years you must re-sample that area so your fertiliser planning and P index stays current.

 

Practical Tips for Sampling

  • Take ~20 soil cores per sample area (e.g., 5 ha) in a “W-shaped” pattern — this ensures a representative result.

  • Best time to sample is October–February, ideally before any major fertiliser applications.

 

New Location Requirement (2025 onward)

From 15 September 2025 onward, each soil sample analysis report must include a precise location identifier:

  • Either the Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS) parcel number; or

  • Georeferenced GPS coordinates.

If a lab report does not have this information, the regulations say it will be treated as if the land is P Index 4 (no phosphorus allowances), which can seriously limit fertiliser use.

Why This Matters

Soil sampling affects:
✔   Your nutrient management and fertiliser plan
✔   How much phosphorus you are allowed to spread (especially important for grass and tillage crops)
✔   Compliance with Nitrates Regulations and CAP/eco-scheme eligibility
✔   Avoiding automatic default to a restrictive phosphorus index that limits productivity

 

Call the office today to arrange your soil analysis on 0498541160

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