Nitrogen Fertilizers: Why And How To Apply Sustainably

Nitrogen fertilizers have become an indispensable tool in the modern farmer’s arsenal, but their use is not without its challenges. While they promote plant growth, enabling farmers to maximize harvests, their improper usage can lead to environmental hazards like groundwater contamination and greenhouse gas emissions. Since nitrogen fertilizer overapplication not only wastes resources but also poses agricultural and ecological risks, striking the right balance is crucial. This article delves into the intricacies of nitrogen-based fertilizers so that farmers can harness their benefits while mitigating potential drawbacks. Equipped with this knowledge, growers can cultivate crops that are both sustainable and abundant.

For more information, please visit our website.

What Is A Nitrogen Fertilizer?

Nitrogen fertilizer is a nitrogen-rich substance, either solid or liquid, widely used in agriculture to promote crop growth and unlock higher yields. Nitrogen (N) is a common component of fertilizers because it is essential for all plants to produce energy in their cells. There is not enough nitrogen in our soils to fully supply crop demands, particularly when you consider how much food the globe needs to feed everyone. To fill that shortfall, farmers all around the world rely on nitrogen in fertilizers (mostly synthetic).

There are two types of nitrogen fertilizers based on their sources:

• Organic, or natural. These are N sources, such as manure, compost, blood and feather meal, and fish emulsion, created naturally through fermentation or composting.
• Synthetic, or chemical. They are produced by transforming nitrogen gas (N2) into nitrogen-based products, such as nitrates and ammonia. While the exact percentage of N in synthetic fertilizers might vary greatly depending on their intended use, a typical range is 26–32%.

Nitrogen is an essential yet finite resource that accounts for almost 78% of Earth’s atmosphere. Without this natural gas, we cannot make nitrogen-based fertilizers; our only option is to use its limited resources for farming.

Forms On Nitrogen Fertilizer

Nitrogen fertilizers typically come in one of these forms: nitrate (NO3), ammonia (NH3), ammonium (NH4), or urea (CH4N2O). Every form has its own unique properties that dictate the specific conditions and methods for using it. Now, we’ll examine these forms and their characteristics more closely.

Nitrate (NO3)

Nitrate is the most mobile type because of its dissolving nature and lack of attachment to substrate particles. N loss and leaching are potential outcomes of this mobility Gimondo, J., Runkle, E. (, June 12). Understanding the forms of nitrogen in water-soluble fertilizers for greenhouse growers. Michigan State University (MSU) Extension.. When it’s dry, water evaporates from the soil, which might cause nitrates to rise to the surface and build up there. However, once nitrates seep below the root zone, they are unlikely to migrate upward, so plants may lose large amounts of nitrogen fertilizer.

Denitrification happens when organisms in waterlogged soils extract oxygen from nitrates, leading to N loss, particularly in clay soils. The remaining nitrogen gas can then be released into the atmosphere.

You can optimize nitrate applications in your crops with the help of EOSDA Crop Monitoring. To achieve this, use our platform to collect soil moisture data from both the surface and the root zone. If you’re looking for more advanced data, check out our soil moisture analytics solution for seasoned crop producers.

Ammonia (NH3) And Ammonium (NH4)

Plants can easily access ammoniacal forms of nitrogen. Despite dissolving in water, they attach to organic particles in the soil and rarely leak. Because ammonia in water can rapidly evaporate into the atmosphere, injecting it beneath the soil’s surface is necessary. Eliminating the use of ammoniacal nitrogen fertilizers in cold, overcast growing environments might help crop producers avoid ammonium toxicity-related issues.

In most soils, nitrification chemical reactions quickly convert ammonium to nitrate. Because of this, N mobility is greatly increased, leading to the plant losing up to half of the nutrients available through nitrate leaching and nitrous oxide emissions Beeckman, F. et al. (, April). Nitrification in agricultural soils: impact, actors and mitigation. Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 50, 166-173. https://doi.org/10./j.copbio..01.014.. A soil pH of 7, 50% moisture content, and a temperature of 80°F (26°C) are the ideal conditions for nitrification. A pH of 5.5 and lower, waterlogging, and a temperature lower than 40°F (4°C) interfere with this process. Management practices that reduce nitrification should be implemented for increasing nitrogen fertilizer effectiveness and minimizing losses.

Soil pH decreases as an inevitable long-term effect of using ammonium fertilizers. Farmers frequently apply this acidic type of nitrogen fertilizer to crops that do not absorb micronutrients well.

Urea (CH4N2O)

Before crops absorb urea, it might pass through three stages of transformation:

• urea is converted to ammonia by soil enzymes;
• the reaction of ammonia with water produces ammonium;
• soil microbes help ammonium transform into nitrate.

If urea fails to transform into ammonia and ammonium, it can leach because it is extremely soluble in its original form. However, it takes only 2-4 days for urea to convert to ammonia under ideal soil moisture and warmth. Even if temperatures drop below freezing, the conversion process does not stop. So, leaching is quite rare in real-world scenarios.

To ensure the best results with urea and other forms of nitrogen fertilizers, review historical and forecasted weather data for your field in EOSDA Crop Monitoring. It will allow you to recognize climate patterns and anticipate upcoming weather events, which may influence how effectively plants uptake the nutrient.

Considerations For The Use Of Nitrogen Fertilizers In Agriculture

To get the most out of fertilizers with nitrogen, use them wisely. Otherwise, especially if there is excessive fertilization, the result may be a significant decrease in yield rather than an increase. First, take into account the following:

• Liquid fertilizing products are most effective when applied during active plant growth, as plants readily absorb them. However, improper or excessive application may lead to leaks and scorching of the plant roots.
• Dry or pelleted fertilizing products are best suited for less nutrient-hungry periods. But they might rest on the ground, making their volatile compounds more likely to evaporate.

Before you apply nitrogen-based fertilizers, consider some other key considerations.

What Type Of Nitrogen-Based Fertilizer To Use

There is not one best fertilizer type for providing nitrogen to crops. But avoiding nitrate fertilizers and instead using ammonium and urea can reduce atmospheric emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), particularly in soils saturated with water. If we want to make crop production more sustainable, more N should ideally come from organic fertilizers like compost, manure, and legume residues. Keep in mind, however, that an overabundance of organic material may accelerate N loss. One of the most practical approaches is to increase the use of legume residues as a nitrogen source, resulting in a reasonable nutrient rate.

How Much Nitrogen Fertilizer To Apply

For farmers aiming for precise nitrogen fertilizer application, soil testing is a good place to start. Take soil samples at depths ranging from 0–4 inches (0–10 cm), 4–24 inches (10–60 cm), and even 24–35 inches (60–90 cm) if the roots grow that deep.

To figure out the recommended nitrogen fertilizer application rate, subtract the soil’s measured N supply (based on a soil test) from the crop’s estimated nutrient demand. Remember that crop type and growth stage, soil quality, and farming system all play a role in determining the optimal application rate. The vegetation maps provided by EOSDA Crop Monitoring make it easy for crop growers to differentiate field zones according to vegetation levels. This information can assist in implementing variable rate nitrogen fertilizer applications adjusted to the specific requirements of each area.

When To Apply Nitrogen Fertilizer

By adapting the timing of your N fertilizer treatments to your crops’ changing needs, you may increase nutrient uptake and decrease fertilization expenses. Nitrogen-based fertilizers don’t perform effectively when provided in advance as a reserve when crops are young and their nitrogen needs are low. Most plants need just under 20% of their entire nitrogen demand by the time they blossom.

To enhance N uptake, fertilize crops during their nutrient-efficient growth stages (given that there is enough rainfall thereafter). To prevent nitrogen fertilizer leaching, never fertilize soils that are already waterlogged or are expected to become so soon, such as before the forecasted downpour. Also, minimize the duration of land fallow when shifting from long-term grazing to croplands.

During most stages of plant growth, the NDVI index, which measures vegetation density, is used to decide which areas of the field require less or more fertilizing. At the beginning of the growing season, when the soil is partly exposed, MSAVI, the only index that removes soil effects from vegetation density calculation, is particularly helpful; by the middle or end of the season, the NDRE index becomes more effective. As the season progresses, you can use the ReCl index—which reflects chlorophyll levels in leaves—to pinpoint areas of the field that may benefit from additional fertilizer applications. In case you need them, we can also provide tailor-made indexes crafted specifically for your tasks.

EOSDA Crop Monitoring

Offering high-resolution satellite images for fields analytics to monitor crops health remotely!

Where To Place Nitrogen Fertilizer

Plants can absorb nitrogen more easily if fertilizer is placed close to the root zone or in places where rain can carry it there. Deep application is particularly critical in erosion-prone soils. This will prevent nitrogen from volatilizing or adhering to the topsoil.

It is also important to employ cultivation techniques that increase crop water and nitrogen uptake. Surface drainage, minimal tillage, and controlled traffic can reduce nitrogen losses. Another advantage of implementing these approaches is enhanced soil structure, which in turn increases yields.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using Nitrogen Fertilizers

Nitrogen fertilizers are of interest to every farmer since they promote healthy plant growth and boost yields. However, there may be environmental costs associated with their industrial production and overuse. Gain a better understanding of nitrogen fertilizer benefits and risks so you can maximize the former and minimize the latter.

What Are The Benefits Of Nitrogen Fertilizers?

Nitrogen-based fertilizers, whether organic or synthetic, come in a wide variety of forms, so you may choose the one that’s best for your plants and the farm’s bottom line. The following are some of their primary benefits:

• provide crops with the most crucial nutrient required for the synthesis of chlorophyll, which powers the photosynthetic process in plants;
• boost crop protein content and yields;
• enhance the uptake of other nutrients, especially phosphorus, by plants Aulakh, M. S., Malhi, S. S. (). Interactions of Nitrogen with Other Nutrients and Water: Effect on Crop Yield and Quality, Nutrient Use Efficiency, Carbon Sequestration, and Environmental Pollution. Advances in Agronomy, 86, 341-409. https://doi.org/10./S-(05)-9.;
• a wide range of nitrogen fertilizer types allows you to customize the application to the individual demands of the farm;
• there is a choice between immediately available and slow-release options.

What Are The Problems Associated With Using Nitrogen Fertilizers?

Concerns about nitrogen fertilizers’ excessive use revolve around the negative impact it might have on the environment, specifically:

• excessive application might cause nitrate leaching and, as a result, contamination of water sources;
• add to the problem of air pollution and global warming by raising the levels of ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and particulates;
• overuse can cause the soil to become acidic and less fertile.

A good way to avoid nitrogen fertilizer problems is to feed crops at the right time and in the right amount, for example, through variable rate application with EOSDA Crop Monitoring. Contact us at for a consultation on satellite-based vegetation maps and other sustainable farming solutions we offer.

Nitrogen Fertilizer Sustainability: Where Do We Go From Here?

It is crucial to recognize that nitrogen fertilizers are not inherently harmful to the environment. However, if misused — which typically means overused — they can pose a risk. Negative effects arise when we apply fertilizer beyond what the soil and plants can handle: the surplus of nitrogen seeps into groundwater and streams or evaporates into the atmosphere. Conversely, if the fertilizer’s nitrogen content is entirely used for plant feeding, there won’t be any leftovers to contaminate the environment. This means that soil testing, field vegetation density analysis, and variable rate fertilization must become farmers’ best friends.

Published: 11.04.

[Narrator:]

What if only a third of added nitrogen fertiliser was ending up in our crop? Where does the rest go?

New insights are being gained from a collaborative 3-year research project called 'Action on the Ground — Reducing on-farm nitrous oxide emissions through improved nitrogen use efficiency in grains'.

With the cooperation of 7 farming families and 3 Catchment Management Authorities, Agriculture Victoria research scientists established 9 trial sites within low, medium, high rainfall and irrigated cropping zones across Victoria.

3 nitrogen treatments were applied at each site, based on industry standard practice relevant to each region and the seasonal conditions.

Sites received a small rate of nitrogen fertiliser across all plots at sowing (with 0 to 20 kilograms of Nitrogen per hectare), typically in the form of MAP or DAP depending on farmer management.

Treatments included:

• Plot 1 — a standard practice with urea fertiliser top dressed at mid-tillering.
• Plot 2 — where urea was applied at double the standard practice, and
• Plot 3 — a Control which received no additional nitrogen during the season.

Data collected at each site included:

• Recent land use history
• Soil testing, both pre- and post-harvest to a depth of 1.2 metres
• Measurement of nitrous oxide emissions and soil samples at key times during the growing season
• Recovery of nitrogen, applied as urea fertiliser, by the crop as well as residue nitrogen in the soil post harvest, and
• Crop measurements including establishment, biomass at flowering, grain yield at maturity, nitrogen uptake and key grain quality indicators.

Building on previous Victorian studies, Agriculture Victoria research scientist and project leader, Professor Roger Armstrong, explains some of the key project findings…

[Professor Roger Armstrong, Senior Scientist, Agriculture Victoria:]

'A real stand in our project results was the general lack of nitrogen fertiliser response. This was a function of both the poor seasonal conditions and also the large background levels of mineral nitrogen that we have found.

'Reducing current rates of fertiliser nitrogen input, particularly in some irrigated cropping areas, and also in the high rainfall zone where paddocks have experienced a long history of legume pastures, can have minimal impacts on productivity while saving growers money.

'As part of his role in the project Agriculture Victoria research scientist Ash Wallace found that the amount of fertiliser nitrogen used by the target crops ranged from less than 5% to a maximum of more 60% of the nitrogen applied. This big variation mainly reflected differences in growing season rainfall and irrigation.

'Average recovery of fertiliser nitrogen by the crop ranged from a high of 42% in irrigated crops, to 32% in low and medium rainfall dryland systems, to a low of 30% in high rainfall systems. These values are considerably lower than the figure of 50% currently used as rule of thumb by many in the industry.

'Of real concern to growers is the large losses of nitrogen fertiliser that we recorded. Fertiliser nitrogen recovery in the crop, plus that remaining in the soil at harvest, averaged only 71%. It varied from 63% in the High Rainfall Zone to 76% in the low and medium rainfall regions. This represented an average loss to the crop soil system of over a quarter of the fertiliser nitrogen applied.

'In-crop nitrogen mineralisation, where mineral nitrogen is produced from organic nitrogen in the soil, was found to be a potential major source of nitrogen to the crops in this study — constituting up to 63% of the total nitrogen in the crop.

'The relative importance of this source of nitrogen to crop nitrogen uptake appeared to vary predominantly with the in-season rainfall, rather than soil type or region. Currently, in-crop nitrogen mineralisation isn't very accurately accounted for in best management practices so it's really important that it is, if we are to have accurate nitrogen fertiliser predictions.

'The best strategy to reduce both costs and nitrous oxide emissions in these systems appeared to be through increased crop utilisation of soil nitrogen, i.e. 'soaking up' excessive nitrogen and reducing fertiliser inputs accordingly.

'Findings from similar trials in the High Rainfall Zone also indicate that, avoiding nitrogen application at sowing, (if pre-sowing assessments of soil mineral nitrogen levels show high background levels of N), and delaying fertiliser application until between tillering and early booting growth stages, improves both nitrogen utilisation and increases crop yield and grain protein levels.

'A key output of the project will be the development of both localised crop utilisation coefficients, as well as a methodology for predicting in-crop N mineralisation. Having both of these tools will help growers and advisers better predict how much fertiliser nitrogen is required as well as having greater confidence in their decision-making processes.

'The most important practice that growers can adopt is to measure the amount of mineral nitrogen in the profile prior to sowing using deep soil testing.

'Research undertaken by PhD student Katherine Dunsford in the project assessed new soil testing methods for measuring potential rates of nitrogen mineralisation. Both the Hot KCI and Solvita tests, performed better than the current 'rules of thumb' which are widely used by advisers. These tests look promising for rapid, in-field use by croppers — once they have been calibrated for Australian conditions.

'Another key finding from this study was around nitrous oxide emissions. High nitrous oxide losses were recorded from the high rainfall zone sites, which appeared to be underpinned by high soil carbon and nitrogen levels. However, the real surprise was that highest nitrous oxide emissions occurred in irrigated cropping paddocks of north-central Victoria. These emissions seemed to be underpinned more by irrigation and poor drainage, than by soil carbon and nitrogen levels, which were relatively low at these sites.

'Very low levels of emissions were recorded in the low and medium rainfall cropping sites.'

[Narrator:]

So, what did farmers involved in the trial think about the findings?

[Keith Fischer, Farmer, Wimmera:]

'I got a lot of information out of the findings. I'd been informed that the losses from nitrogen application were of a high percentage but in our area we're not losing a lot.

'During the dry years a lot was going into the soil and staying there for the following year, whereas we were thinking we were losing it and having to apply more. So now I can reduce the amount of nitrogen I am applying, knowing that there's back up in the soil for the following year.

'Deep soil testing is important, in the past we were believing that we were losing the nitrogen, but now knowing with deep soil testing I can get a knowledge of how much nitrogen is in the soil, so that during the season I can apply the correct amount so I'm not wasting the amount of nitrogen I'm applying.

'This knowledge helps me to plan for the season, it reduces our costs, it reduces our effects on the environment and we get as good, if not better, yields each year so we win in many ways.'

[Narrator:]

So in summary this project indicates that, in many cases, there is actually sufficient soil nitrogen present in the soil profile, prior to sowing, to meet most of the crop demand.

By undertaking appropriate soil testing, grain growers could save the expense of applying nitrogen fertiliser that the crop simply doesn't need.

Losses of fertiliser nitrogen (and presumably background soil nitrogen) from the soil can be significant, representing both a major financial loss to grain growers and a negative environmental impact from nitrous oxide emissions.

For more information about this project and how you can access the results and tools, visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au or contact one of our team members.

[Narrator:]

Nitrous oxide may be an invisible gas but it can have significant impacts on our environment. Sometimes called 'laughing gas', nitrous oxide is no laughing matter.

It's a powerful greenhouse gas that's over 300 times stronger at trapping in heat than carbon dioxide, and it's a pollutant that damages our ozone layer.

Agriculture Victoria scientist and Project leader, Professor Roger Armstrong, explains:

[Professor Roger Armstrong, Senior Scientist, Agriculture Victoria:]

Related articles:
Unlocking Efficiency: How Polyaspartic Acid Solves Your Most Pressing Product Challenges

Lvwang Ecological Fertilizer Product Page

'Although nitrogen fertilisers are an essential part of most Australian grain production systems, our research has shown that nitrous oxide emissions are a function of both the rate of nitrogen fertiliser applied, as well as the background soil mineral N levels.

'In some situations, we're adding considerably more nitrogen than the crop needs. Unfortunately, there is increasing evidence that the relationship between nitrous oxide emissions and increasing Nitrogen input is an exponential, rather than a lineal relationship for most crop types.

'But the good news is that by having a better understanding of how much soil mineral nitrogen is present at sowing and by some fine tweaking of when we apply nitrogen fertiliser during the crop, we can both simultaneously reduce nitrous oxide emissions, improve grain yield and quality all while saving money on fertiliser.'

[Narrator:]

So that's why the race is on to better understand how nitrogen fertiliser can be better managed while finding cost effective ways to reduce nitrous oxide emissions.

Agriculture Victoria research scientists have been at the forefront of research into nitrogen fertiliser management and nitrous oxide emissions in Victoria's cropping industry for over a decade.

A variety of field experiments have been established on farms across Victoria's cropping zones to help better understand the issue.

Professor Roger Armstrong, explains some of the key Victorian research findings:

[Professor Roger Armstrong:]

'Overall we found that nitrous oxide emissions are quite low in low and medium rainfall areas, particularly if nitrogen isn't applied when there is periods of temporary waterlogging. The key thing is to remember that nitrous oxide emissions are closely tied to waterlogging events.

'Other key risk factors that result in higher emissions are:

• high levels of labile soil carbon,
• high levels of existing mineral nitrogen
• warm soils.

'In the High Rainfall Zone of South western Victoria we’ve found that larger amounts of nitrogen fertiliser applied at sowing result in losses of up to 85% of the nitrogen applied.

'Effectively what this mean was that applying nitrogen fertiliser in these situations was both a waste of time and money.

'The good news, however, is that we have some pretty solid rules of thumb for Best Management Practices for fertilisers.

'The best way to remember these rules of thumb are the 4 R's: Getting the Right Product, the Right Amount, Getting the Right Timing and the Right Placement.'

[Narrator:]

The Right Product:

First of all, non-fertiliser derived nitrogen, originating from sources such as via legume rotations and crop residues is an important source of N to crops and should be accounted for when planning fertiliser N applications.

Consider if nitrification inhibitors (which slow the conversion of ammonium to nitrate), are financially justifiable for your situation.

The Right Rate:

The higher the rate, the greater the likelihood of emissions, so make sure you test your soils to determine both the existing mineral nitrogen content and then allow for the amount of soil nitrogen that could be mineralised during the growing season.

Once you have estimated the crops nitrogen demand, subtract the measured nitrogen supply from the soil via your soil test and the estimated nitrogen supply from mineralisation to determine the nitrogen fertiliser rate you need to apply.

Also, check that other factors such as nutrients or disease aren’t limiting your crop's growth and ability to utilise any extra nitrogen applied. This is where precision cropping techniques (such as variable rate technology, pH mapping) and disease assessments such as PredictB can help get more accurate fertiliser application and avoid wasting inputs that aren’t needed.

The Right Timing:

Match your timing of fertiliser application to coincide with your crops' changing demand. Split applications improves crop nitrogen uptake, but always avoid applying fertiliser when soils are waterlogged. The greatest demand for nitrogen by your crop normally occurs around mid to late tillering so factor this into your fertiliser management program.

The Right Place:

Don’t forget to make sure you’ve checked and measured the accuracy of your fertiliser spreader and operator and avoid double-ups and drainage lines — unless you want to watch money go down the drain.

Use the best technique for placing nitrogen fertiliser in the right place that maximises crop nitrogen uptake. Generally, it's best to place your nitrogen into the soil. This helps to ensure nitrogen is more accessible to the crop roots, because crops can't access nitrogen if it is stranded in dry topsoils. It also tends to reduce losses of nitrogen from some soils.

There is a potential for even greater losses of nitrogen through volatilisation of topdressed urea, on highly alkaline soils such as soils in parts of the Wimmera and most of the Mallee.

Remember, too, that improved surface drainage, minimal-tillage and controlled traffic practices also help by improving soil structure (resulting in better grain yields) while reducing nitrogen losses occurring during waterlogging.

If you're converting pasture into a cropping phase, avoid long periods of fallow, especially in high rainfall areas and if irrigation is used. Short fallows reduce the risk of high nitrous oxide emissions that result from the build up of high background concentrations of labile soil carbon and mineral N that occur during the decomposition of pasture residues.

Future research into nitrogen use and management is continuing to ensure Victorian farmers can not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also ensure fertiliser costs are minimised.

[Greg Bekker, Livestock and Land Management Extension Officer:]

Soil testing is a really important decision-making tool. We use it to determine soil nutrient levels and other soil characteristics.

The tools you will need are a soil corer, a clean plastic bucket, a plastic bag to put your samples in and a tray to do your subsampling. An aerial photo or mud map will assist with the planning of that soil sampling.

[Visual: Be sure your corer is the correct size.]

The other really important factor is to make sure your soil corer is 10 centimetres and take the time to measure it.

[Visual: Aerial photos are available at your local Agriculture Victoria office]

An aerial photo can be used in planning where to take your soil test.

Areas that we don't do are around water troughs, gateways, within 4 metres of a fence line and other clearly different areas within the paddock. So within this gully here, we are not going to take a sample, and also a stock camp at the top of the hill.

Once we have determined that, it is very easy to work out where we are going to put our transect.

[Visual: A transect is a designated line you will follow and take samples along.]

In this case we would look at a transect along there and also one back that way. That would give a truly representative soil sample of this paddock.

[Visual: Aerial photo with a Y-shaped transect that avoids all the areas that don't need sampling]

[Visual: You will need to take 20 to 30 samples.]

I've got that end tree as my end point, as a transect, so that is what I'm heading towards.

[Visual: Sample at the same time each year, ideally when your soil is not too dry.]

This corer has an internal taper, so it always taps out backwards and you must make sure it is totally cleared before you take the next sample.

[Visual: Your soil corer is tapered.]

[Visual: Calculate the distance between sampling points.]

This is a 300 metre transect that I have got from the aerial map, so that means I need to take a sample every 10 metres to get 30 samples.

We've got a urine patch and a cowpat there, so we're not going to test there.

[Visual: Divert around urine patches.]

Instead we just move off to the side along the same transect and take a sample.

[Visual: Preparing your samples for analysis.]

Once we have brought our 25 to 30 cores back, we put them in the bucket and need to mix them thoroughly. To do that we will pour them out into this tray and break up all of these cores.

[Visual: Remove vegetation and rocks.]

While we are doing this we remove any vegetation matter and rocks.

[Visual: Mix until your soil is a uniform size.]

Once we are happy that we have sampled that and have got a really consistent mix throughout we are going to subsample. We break that in half and then we will break this section in half again. You want to end up with about 200 to 300 grams of soil to put in the bag.

[Visual: Complete all paperwork accurately and send within 24 to 48 hours.]

Once you've got that sample it is really important that you have got your name, your address, paddock name and the date you took the sample.

Samples should be placed in the laboratory-supplied bags for postage.

The soil test results are going to come back to you in a range of different formats.

Use your local agronomists, landcare groups or departmental staff to assist you with the interpretation.

[Visual: www.vic.gov.au/interpreting-soil-tests]

It's really important that we use this information to make informed decisions on what you're going to do with your soil and make sure that they align with your overall farm goals.