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Post by HuntMeister on Jan 3, 2015 21:52:46 GMT -5
I am new to the food plot game and understand the first thing I should do is a soil test. Are there any central or central west Indiana locations to send it to?
If not, where would you recommend to send a sample to?
Also, what is the typical cost per test?
I am looking at one plot about 1-1/2 to 2 acres tops, how many samples should I take before mixing all together?
Will it be OK to do the sample now for a spring or late summer planting?
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Post by drs on Jan 4, 2015 6:31:35 GMT -5
I'd call your local Ag. Extension Agent.
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Post by throbak on Jan 4, 2015 11:00:15 GMT -5
Go to your SWCD ofice We have bags in Jeff and Switz and know where to send you to get it cheap or Free most Counts offer the Same
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Post by HuntMeister on Jan 4, 2015 16:55:02 GMT -5
Thanks throback!
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Post by goosepondmonster on Jan 5, 2015 20:12:49 GMT -5
I went the local ag office route and they weren't much help. Get a soil sample kit from Whitetail Institute and you will get better feedback on your results.
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Post by HuntMeister on Jan 5, 2015 21:37:33 GMT -5
My county (Hendricks) SWCD does not do the test and they did not know of any nearby that do. They directed me to a place called Coaaliance in Stilesville. I called them and they said they could do it but they only advise for corn / bean production and so they could not specifically recommend for a deer plot.
I looked at Whitetail Institute but was concerned that they would only advise for their product. Is that not the case?
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Post by throbak on Jan 6, 2015 8:00:24 GMT -5
You went to your SWCD office and They didn't Know where to send you for s soil test??
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Post by throbak on Jan 6, 2015 8:11:46 GMT -5
You guys that are not getting any help from your SWCDs PM me the county's questions that you ask that were not answered I will be at the SWVD annual Meeting Jan. 11,and this WILL be Addressed
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Post by HuntMeister on Jan 6, 2015 8:40:42 GMT -5
PM sent throwback. Thanks again for your help.
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Post by moose1am on Feb 4, 2015 12:28:08 GMT -5
I worked in a Laboratory where we did soil tests all the time. If you want to grow crops for the deer to eat then you want to make sure that the soil's pH is good. Add some nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium to the soil if needed. Phosphate rock is a good thing to add to soil. It will release it's nutrients slowly over time. Potassium is a limiting nutrient that needs to be added to the soil to get good seed germination and early plant growth. It promotes strong roots.
Many of these tests are not that hard to do. Research them on the internet and see if you can find some soil test kits that will help you test the soil.
Take samples from the area and mix them together and then test the mixture for pH and phosphorous and potassium. Nitrogen is water soluble and won't last long so you will have to add nitrogen to the soil for sure.
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Post by HuntMeister on Feb 4, 2015 14:12:14 GMT -5
Thanks for the thoughts moose but I think I will let the lab folks figure that out for me.
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Post by esshup on Feb 9, 2015 11:24:09 GMT -5
Go to a farm Co-Op that sells seeds or fertilizer to farmers. They should be able to send out the soil to be tested for ya.
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Post by trophyparadise on Mar 4, 2015 12:19:12 GMT -5
I usually send mine to A&L labs in fort Wayne. They do a pretty detailed write up. If you want their number I can post it. Trophy Paradise Habitat Consulting "Trophies are built from the ground up" www.facebook.com/trophyparadise |
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Post by ridgerunner on May 9, 2015 5:51:27 GMT -5
My local fertilizer Plant does the soil test for free if you buy fertilizer from them...check with your local Fertilizer plant.
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Post by jimstc on May 23, 2015 9:08:15 GMT -5
Crop Production Services is who I used. They gave me the tool to collect the samples and sent the samples to A&L for the analysis. CPS didn't charge me anything. Nice guys to work with. I did buy fertilizer from them and the seeds for a winter cover crop.
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Post by MuzzleLoader on May 23, 2015 9:21:28 GMT -5
Whitetail institute used to charge like 8.00 and send it to them in bags and get a detailed report of exactly what was needed. If you had questions you could call them and they would help you down to what kind of seeds you were planting.
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Post by trophyparadise on May 23, 2015 16:39:30 GMT -5
Whitetail institute used to charge like 8.00 and send it to them in bags and get a detailed report of exactly what was needed. If you had questions you could call them and they would help you down to what kind of seeds you were planting. They still do. For the beginner food plotter they are a very good resource. I would definitely recommend using them Trophy Paradise Habitat Consulting "Trophies are built from the ground up" m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=852914431431752 |
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