Plant and Crop Testing
Plant and crop testing can be done on its own or as a compliment to the information supplied by soil testing.
Agricultural and horticultural professionals can take advantage of a complete suite of tests designed to meet the specific requirements of New Zealand based growers. Unlike a number of other test laboratories, Hill Laboratories has spent the last 30+ years developing analysis that is specific to the New Zealand situation. Our unique approach means that you can have confidence in the accuracy of your data and make better land management decisions as a result.
Choosing the right test option for your situation and interpreting the test data is important and you are best to contact your local fertiliser representative, rural merchant supplies store or consultant for advice. However, for Pastoral Soils: a Basic Soil Profile and sulphate-S test are recommended. Where reactive phosphate rock (RPR) fertiliser has been used, the resin phosphorus (RP) test should be added. For Arable Crops like Maize:a Basic Soil Profile, sulphate-S and available-N are recommended. Other Soil Tests include: organic sulphur, total sulphur, the organic soil profile for soil quality, aluminium, boron, EDTA trace metals, Mehlich 3 trace metals and more. For a more complete listing of our soil testing options and the associated test details, simply download our easy-to-read technical note specifically designed for soil testing.
Herbage analyses help pastoral farmers and their advisers choose the best fertiliser programme. They also highlight mineral imbalances that might be affecting the health of pasture or animals that feed on it.
Herbage tests of pasture complement soil tests and allow important trace nutrients like cobalt, selenium, copper and iodine to be adjusted for improved animal health. Using both herbage and soil testing will provide a better overall picture of the farm nutrient status for an improved fertiliser programme. To find out more about our soil and herbage testing options, simply download a copy of our easy-to-read technical note.