Start the year right by soil sampling your farm and getting a picture of soil fertility on your farm. Soil fertility is a critical factor in successful crop and grassland production. With accurate soil analysis our team of FACTs qualified agronomists can help you build a plan to use any organic materials on farm and select the correct rate and type of fertiliser to be used to grow a profitable crop sustainably.
Soil pH
Soil pH is a fundamental aspect of soil fertility, as it directly influences nutrient availability and microbial activity. Most crops thrive in soils with a pH of at least 6.3 but ideally target 6.5. When soil pH is too low or too high, certain nutrients become less available to plants, even if they are present in the soil. Lime application is a common practice to raise soil pH, which not only adjusts acidity but also supplies calcium to the soil.
Lost Value of Fertiliser and Percentage of Nutrient retained at various soil pH
20-10-10 Utilisation at various pH (£330/T)

Phosphorus
Phosphorus is crucial for plant development, especially during early growth stages and energy transfer processes throughout the growing season. Although required in smaller quantities than other major nutrients, phosphorus deficiency can significantly impact crop yield and quality. Phosphorus is an expensive nutrient and can cause pollution in waterways therefore it is important to test your soil to ensure you are supplying the correct amount to your crops.
Potassium
Potassium or potash plays a vital role in various physiological processes, including photosynthesis, carbohydrate transport, and water regulation. Adequate potassium levels in soil and plants lead to improved disease resistance, increased drought tolerance, and vigorous vegetative growth. Potassium fertilisation is often associated with enhanced crop quality and better handling and storage properties. Potassium is especially important in silage crops.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential component of chlorophyll and plays a critical role in photosynthesis. It contributes to soil structure by forming bridges between negatively charged clay minerals, promoting a stable, crumbly texture that enhances water retention and root development, however too much magnesium can make a soil tight and sticky.
Calcium
Calcium is crucial for cell wall development and overall plant structure. Most cropping systems require soils with adequate calcium levels. Calcium is also important for soil structure, acting as a flocculant creating soil crumbs that promote better aeration and water infiltration. Calciprill granular lime is a reliable source of calcium, which also helps in maintaining proper soil pH and improve soil structure. Another useful source of calcium is Calcifert S.
Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)
Cation Exchange Capacity is a measure of the soil’s ability to hold and exchange positively charged ions (cations) such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and ammonium. It is a critical soil property that influences nutrient availability, soil structure and the soil’s reaction to fertilisers and other amendments. Soils with high CEC have a greater capacity to retain essential nutrients, making them more fertile and less prone to nutrient leaching. Clay and organic matter content significantly influence CEC, with clay soils having higher CEC values compared to sandy soils.
Importance of Balanced Fertility
A well-balanced soil fertility program considers the interplay between several factors. For instance, the concept of base saturation, which is the percentage of the CEC occupied by basic cations (calcium, magnesium, and potassium), is important in determining soil pH and overall fertility. It is also important to realise what the limiting factor will be to crop growth, and that applying extra nitrogen will not give extra yield if another nutrient is limiting. As the proportion of basic cations increases relative to acidic cations (hydrogen and aluminium), soil pH rises, creating more favourable conditions for most crops.
Furthermore, the relationship between different nutrients is crucial. For example, while phosphorus is essential, its application needs to be balanced with environmental considerations to prevent excess phosphorus in the soil.
Maintaining optimal soil fertility requires an integrated approach that considers soil pH, essential nutrient, and the soil’s cation exchange capacity. Fane Valley’s Agronomy & Forage team can help you, maximise crop yields, and ensure long-term soil health and productivity. Regular soil testing and appropriate nutrient management strategies are key to achieving and maintaining optimal soil fertility.
To find out more about Fane Valley’s Soil Analysis service contact your local agronomist or call 028 9261 0485.