Measuring and Evaluating Soil in Pasture Systems
The nature of soils in pasture systems can be evaluated with a number of tools and procedures. Some are unique to pastured systems others are widely adopted for all soil evaluations.
Soil Sampling
- UW Recommendations for Sampling Soils for Testing http://learningstore.extension.wisc.edu/pdf/A2100.PDF
- UW Recommendations for Optimal Soil Test Levels http://learningstore.extension.wisc.edu/pdf/A3030.pdf
Web-based Soils Information & Farm Maps
- UW Soil & Forage Lab (Sample submission forms, other info) http://uwlab.soils.wisc.edu/
- Web Based Soil Survey (GIS maps, overlays, soil info) http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/
- Langlade GIS Map Viewer (has soils layer) http://www.langladecogiws.com/
Nutrient Management Resources
- UW Nutrient Management Website
- SNAP Plus – Wisconsin’s NM Software http://www.snapplus.net/index.php
Pasture Soil Quality
- Introduction to Pastureland Soil Quality NRCS 2003
- “Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring” and the “Pasture Condition Score Sheet” at http://www.glti.nrcs.usda.gov
- USDA Soils: Soil Quality Information http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/
- Assessing the Pasture Soil Resource http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/PDF/assess.pdf
Soil Quality Evaluation
Evaluating Soil Quality with USDA Model Soil Test Kit Complete description of test equipment and procedures
Managing Pastured Soils
- Management of Wisconsin Soils http://learningstore.extension.wisc.edu/pdf/A3588.pdf
- Steps to Successful No-Till Establishment of Forages http://web2.msue.msu.edu/bulletins/Bulletin/PDF/E2880.pdf
