Soil Test Results

You might recall from this blog post from back in August Taking Soil Samples, that I took some soil samples from our garden and pasture in order to have them sent to a laboratory for analysis.  I took one sample from the garden and two samples from two separate areas of the pasture and bagged them up in individual sample bags.  You can see them below.

Three bags of soil samples for analysis

Now I would estimate that the entire pasture and garden area encompasses three acres.  The soil on the three acres is similar as the land was planted in rice many years ago and is relatively flat, although sloping ever so gradually to the west.  You can, however, see a marked difference in the visible appearance of the soil samples taken in the pasture versus the garden.  The sample on your left (below) is from the pasture and the sample to the right of it (below) is from the garden.  Can you see the difference?

Comparing the soil

What is the difference?  What causes this?  Both samples were taken from a depth of about six inches.  One is light colored and the garden sample looks dark and rich.  We haven't broadcast any fertilizer on either the pasture or the garden; however, the pasture is fertilized constantly by our cows (Daisy, Rosie, Maggie, Bully, and now Lili), along with our two goats (Nellie and Annie) and sixty-something chickens.  They all constantly patrol the pasture, pooping and peeing.

In contrast, the garden doesn't have animals directly pooping or peeing on it, but we do compost extensively. In winter months, I gather "cow patties" from pasture and deposit in a compost pile in the garden that I mix in hay, grass clippings, and refuse from the vegetable plants once they die.  Once a year I'll broadcast that all throughout the garden.  Additionally, when we butcher chickens, I bury all the feathers and guts in between the rows in the garden.  I also bury coffee grounds, vegetable peelings, and other kitchen waste between the rows and then put a covering of hay between the rows.  Finally, I plant legumes in the garden that fix nitrogen in the soil.  All these composted amendments attracts beneficial microorganisms and earthworms, creating a great symbiotic environment.

So, we see the visible effect that composting has on the soil appearance, but what about the soil analysis? Well, the results are in from the laboratory.  Take a look:

Sample ID all lbs per acre	N lbs per acre	P2O5 lbs per acre	K2O lbs per acre	Nutrient value per acre
Sonnier #1 Garden (middle)	112.03	206.92	48.18	$240.97
Sonnier #2 Pasture (South)	26.53	28.59	18.98	$47.32
Sonnier #3 Pasture (North)	28.21	27.70	41.13	$60.99

I'm only posting part of the analysis and I really need to read up to get a better idea of exactly what each means, but I think the results are mind-blowing.  NPK are chemical elements used in fertilizer.  If you were awake in high school Chemistry class, you'll remember that N is Nitrogen, P is Phosphorus, and K is Potassium.  Just look at the difference between the analysis done on the garden (first line) and the pasture (next two lines).  There's no denying that something remarkable is going on in the garden soil.

• Nitrogen gets leaves and vegetation growing lush and green,
• Phosphorus stimulates the roots and the stems of plants, and finally
• Potassium aids in water and nutrient movement throughout the plant.

No rocks, no weeds, good soil, good seeds...

I like to be able to see when things you do make a difference.  Some call this immediate gratification, although this wasn't immediate.  Bettering the soil takes time and work, but it appears to be a beneficial endeavor.  One thing that I'll have to study up on and talk to my Dad since he studied agronomy and soil science, is the mix or balance of NPK pounds per acre in my analysis and what it means.  There's something new to be learned every day.  Life is a classroom!