The Importance of Soil Testing

Soils are continuously exhausted and mismanaged, resulting in a loss of vast areas that once were suitable agricultural areas.
If the soil is severely degraded and depleted, it stands to reason that nothing (except weeds) can be expected to grow. The revegetation process is something that is critical to get right the first time. Reworks and project failures are costly for accounts, time and the environment. The key to success is to understand what’s going on in the soil and properly prepare it in preparation to receive seed.

Why?

Soil testing is a valuable tool in which it allows us to test and determine the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of soils find onsite. Results provide the essential information required to determine what adjustments and inputs need to be made to assure a favourable growing environment.

SGA & Soil Testing

Using science to determine the health of the soil on a given project site is fundamental to the success of revegetation projects. Soil assessment and analysis is part of the strategy that SGA employs to provide site specific, tailored programs for our clients to optimise conditions and ensure successful revegetation is achieved.

Upon conducting a site inspection, our team will gather multiple samples from across the proposed revegetation area. The samples are analysed in a lab to determine the nutrient content, composition, exchange, calcium levels, trace elements and other characteristics that are essential. These results are then interpreted by our experienced scientists and environmental advisers and a tailored plan for your project is formed.

With access to over 100 various ameliorants, we are able to improve the properties of the soil’s physical and microbiological environment with ease.

SGAs Soil Testing Process

Firstly, uniform and consistent soil samples are taken from the proposed revegetation site. This is achieved by collecting core samples at varied depths from various locations around the site. If the area is not uniform in some locations, these areas must be sampled and analyses separately to ensure the most accurate understanding of soil characteristics.

The samples are then combined and mixed thoroughly before an amount no more than 500g is taken, labelled and sent to our expert laboratory team from analysis to determine the nutrient content, composition, and other characteristics such as the acidity and pH level.

Once results are provided, we get our experts in soil composition to interpret the data collected and provide you with reliable advice about the soil characteristics and requirements. This understanding enables long term solutions to be effectively deployed.

Do you have an upcoming Revegtation or Rehabilitation project?

Contact our expert team at Spray Grass Australia for information about our tailored solutions and an obligation-free quote.