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•
Take two or more analyzed samples from different
locations to compare the low/high;
•
GPS reference every sample to accurately map
fertility and allow repeat sampling of the same
locations in the future. Sampling the same points
in the future allows for reliably looking at trends in
soil nutrients;
•
Preferably submit the entire sample to the lab; the
lab is much better equipped to thoroughly mix
and sub-sample for analysis.
Above all else, Weber also emphasizes the point that
it’s important to have a sampling plan based on other
data layers, but most of all based on the conversation
with the farmer’s experience and knowledge of the
field.
This last point can often be missed from sampling
plans. Field sizes have grown as fence rows have
been removed, fields combined, drained—the farmer’s
knowledge of this is critical.
After years of sampling his fields and those of clients
by hand, Weber searched for a professional automatic
sampler that would make sampling faster, but still offer
the consistency and accuracy of a manual soil probe.
That’s why he adopted the Wintex Agro automatic
sampler from Denmark that Weber now distributes
across Canada.
“I saw right away that this automated technology was a
great way to save time in the field while also providing
a consistent six-inch deep soil sample every single
time,” Weber noted, adding that accurate data and
trend analysis helps agronomists and farmers make
improved decisions.
“I’m all for more data, but it’s important that it’s data
collected with a purpose, repeatable, accurate, and
provides a real return on investment.”
With today’s high fertilizer prices, soil testing is a high
payback investment, and for those that have a good
history of test results it gives them the confidence to
adjust fertilizer plans.
Weber said that with today’s higher yields, growers
and agronomists are looking to understand soil health
and increasingly map their fields for nutrients and
other measures. This has driven more interest in the
Wintex Agro sampler by those desiring professional
soil samples such as independent consultants, crop
input dealers, university and agricultural government
agencies, as well as the commercial market.
“We have larger clients that do their sampling, and
others who have added sampling as a service to
farmers,” he said.
Because of the automated nature of the technology,
Weber noted that many clients have mounted the
Wintex Agro on an ATV/Side by Side; a pickup truck;
or a tractor 3-point hitch.
27
Drive greater value from your soil sampling
MATHEW MACDONALD
FARMS.COM
“I’M ALL FOR MORE DATA, BUT
IT’S IMPORTANT THAT IT’S DATA
COLLECTED WITH A PURPOSE,
REPEATABLE, ACCURATE, AND
PROVIDES A REAL RETURN ON
INVESTMENT.”