Soil tests cost money as do consultants, but there’s one tool every farmer possesses that can help tell him a lot about what’s going on under the ground and what options he or she might have to make improvements – the common spade.
There is a lot to be learned by examining the colour, smell, structure and texture; as well as the roots, soil life and other organic matter present in the soil.
Many relevant physical, biological and chemical soil properties can be observed simply by putting a spade on the ground.
Structure is important in regulating soil aeration, gaseous exchange rates, soil infiltration and erosion as well as the movement and storage of water among many other things.
And one the key things you see when you dig the pasture is the presence or absence of worms. As with many things “more is better” when it comes to worms. Healthy soil will also be home to a diverse range of creatures like spiders, ground beetles and centipedes.
You can also look for signs the all important mycorrhizal fungi as well as other indicators of the state of the biological health of the soil such healthy spread out root systems.
Once you’ve had a closer look at what lies beneath you can begin to plot a path to stronger soil biology and healthier plants and animals.
As you develop a deeper understanding of your soil, you can make the decisions needed to move down the path to a more sustainable, environmentally effective and profitable farming system.
A physical examination of your soil goes hand in hand with other actions such as soil testing but there are many positive decisions about how you manage your land that can start with a simple hole in the ground.