How to collect your soil samples – When, where and how often?

We need to take a core of soil to a depth of 70mm to 100mm to include all the material, i.e. a layer of thatch. We recommend taking several cores at different points for each sample. This should result in a sample of between 250g and 500g.

A good sample is the key to an accurate analysis. Consistency is important to obtaining the most accurate soil test results for the foliar and soil fertility program. Follow our basic sampling reminders for best results.

The individual samples should be numbered and placed in separate sealed bags. Each soil sample should clearly reference the location where they derived from. Samples from different areas must not be mixed together.

We suggest that you take multiple sub-samples to give a good representation for nutrient analysis. It is best to avoid fertiliser residue contamination, so we advise that you wait a minimum of two weeks after application. We need a cross section of greens/pitches to represent the golf course or sports facility and we can advise you of the appropriate number for your club.

Early spring and late autumn are the optimum times to collect your samples, with an annual review advised. We can then send these to the laboratory and your analysis reports take around a week to be produced.

We will then discuss the results and interpret the analysis to create a detailed turf management plan.

We have consistently seen results which began with the soil testing process, ultimately gaining more members for the golf club due to improved playability and consistency of the turf.

The soil testing enables you, as a turf manager, to keep accurate records of data to refer back to, track improvement and maintain control.