Soil sampling provides essential data for making informed decisions regarding soil health and nutrient management. Two common methods used are GPS grid soil sampling and composite soil sampling. While both have their merits, GPS grid soil sampling offers several advantages that make it a superior choice and a foundation for precision agriculture.

Precision and Accuracy

GPS grid soil sampling involves collecting soil samples at regular intervals across a field, creating a detailed map of soil variability. These points are often collected in grids that range in various sizes from 1 acre to 5 acres. In contrast, composite soil sampling involves mixing soil from various locations within a field to create a single sample, which can mask variations in soil nutrients.

With GPS grid soil sampling, returning to the same points in future years is possible. This allows for changes over time to be monitored. In contrast, changes in composite sample results could be caused by where the soil cores were collected, making tracking changes over time difficult as the changes could be caused by where the samples were collected rather than by changes in fertility.

Enhanced Decision-Making

With GPS grid soil sampling, farmers receive a comprehensive dataset that supports site-specific management practices. This data plus the powerful tools from VRAFY allows for the creation of variable rate prescriptions, ensuring that each area of the field receives the appropriate amount of nutrients. This level of precision is not possible with composite sampling, which provides only an average nutrient level for the entire field.

Cost-Effectiveness

While GPS grid soil sampling may have higher initial costs due to more extensive sampling, it typically is more cost-effective in the long run. The precise application of inputs based on detailed soil data can lead to significant savings on fertilizer. Additionally, the potential for increased crop yields and improved soil health can provide a substantial return on investment.

Composite soil sampling, while less expensive upfront, may lead to inefficiencies and higher costs over time due to the lack of detailed information. The potential for mismanagement of soil nutrients can result in lower crop yields and increased input costs.

Conclusion

GPS grid soil sampling offers numerous advantages over composite soil sampling, including greater precision and accuracy, enhanced decision-making capabilities, and cost-effectiveness. As agriculture continues to evolve towards more data-driven and sustainable practices, GPS grid soil sampling stands out as a superior method for managing soil health and optimizing crop production.

VRAFY has the tools and support to help you make the transition to GPS grid soil sampling on your farm. No expensive equipment is needed. All you need to get started is a smartphone or iPad!

 

Example of 2.5 Acre Grid Sample Points:

Soil sampling is an essential practice for all farmers. It provides valuable insights into the health and needs of your soil, helping you make informed decisions that can lead to better crop yields and more efficient use of fertilizers. Here’s why you should consider doing your own soil sampling and how to get started.

 

Why Soil Sampling Matters

Soil sampling allows you to understand your soil’s nutrient composition and pH levels. This information is crucial for determining the type and amount of fertilizer needed to optimize plant growth and yields. During these tight economic times, this information is more critical than ever. By regularly sampling your soil, you can track changes over time and adjust your management practices accordingly.

 

Easy and Efficient Soil Sampling

Contrary to what you may think, soil sampling isn’t difficult or time-consuming. You only need a soil probe, a bucket, and a smartphone. With these simple tools, you can collect samples quickly and efficiently.

Follow our easy-to-use guide in our knowledge base to learn more about the process – How to Soil Sample. We are also here to help you with any questions you may have along the way.

 

Positive ROI for Your Time

Doing your own soil sampling can provide a significant return on investment (ROI) for your time. Many companies charge around $3.50 per acre for 2.5-acre grid sampling. For a 100-acre field, this amounts to $350. However, as you see below, by doing it yourself, you can save substantial money:

Cost Breakdown:

Professional Service: $350 for 100 acres.

DIY Sampling: 40 samples in about 2 hours, equating to $175 per hour saved!

The cost of VRAFY Basic is only $1 per acre. And you get all the other benefits of VRAFY Basic on top of it! After 100 acres, you’ve covered the cost of the soil probe and other supplies. Any additional sampling is pure savings.

 

Quality and Convenience

When you do your own soil sampling, you ensure the job is done to your standards and on your schedule. Consistency is key for comparable results. Many prefer to sample after harvest but before tillage, while others do it early in the season and calculate crop removal from yield maps. By doing it yourself, you control the timing and can adjust as needed.

If you notice something unusual at a sampling point, you can easily move to a better location to get a more representative sample. This level of attention to detail is often lacking when relying on external services.

 

Scouting and Soil Health

Collecting your own soil samples gives you a unique opportunity to scout your fields. You can identify areas of compaction, spot diseases such as sclerotinia white mold, and get a feel for the soil’s health. This hands-on approach helps you understand the nuances of your fields better than any report can.

 

Addressing Anomalies

If you notice something unusual in your crops, you can take additional samples in those areas. Simply drop a virtual flag, grab a new sample, and learn more about that specific point. VRAFY can help map these points for future management decisions, or you can ignore them if they turn out to be unimportant.

 

By taking control of your soil sampling, you save money and gain valuable insights into your soil’s health and needs. This proactive approach can lead to better crop management and higher yields, making it well worth the effort.