Soil Testing – Support Next Season’s Success

Soil testing is a valuable tool for farmers and crofters planning for the next growing season. Understanding soil nutrient status, pH, and organic matter levels allows informed management decisions that can optimise crop performance while avoiding unnecessary input costs. Regular analysis can identify nutrient deficiencies or imbalances before they affect yield, supporting both productivity and environmental stewardship.

Once the results of your analysis are available, you can use them alongside cropping plans to target nutrient applications more accurately and prioritise soil improvement measures. Addressing issues such as poor soil structure or compaction can enhance nutrient use efficiency, improve water infiltration, and support healthier crops. These measures can also help you build resilience to increasingly variable weather conditions. If you’re looking to review your soil management practices, you can visit the Soils page on the FAS website, which contains plenty of resources and practical advice. You can also access up to 30 minutes of free expert guidance, tailored to your needs, via the FAS Advice Line. Contact 0300 323 0161, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm, or email advice@fas.scot to access this service.