Approximately 175,000 soil samples are taken in this country annually. Winter and early spring is an ideal time to take those samples as tests at this time provide a good reflection of nutrient levels in the soil.

In the third of its video series on the Efficient Use of Fertilisers, the Fertiliser Association of Ireland describes what happens to those samples once they arrive at the lab.

The first step is that the samples are dried and sieved. The sample will reduce in size once sieved so it is essential that a big enough soil sample (approximately 20 cores) is submitted in the first place.

Brendan Healy, soil laboratory manager at Johnstown Castle, noted that the lab needs “sufficient quantities of sample to carry out all the soil tests required and to generate the most reliable soil test results for each field”.

He added: "The soil analysis process relies on correctly taken soil samples that represent the field area sampled."

In the video, which can be viewed below, Brendan takes viewers through the soil testing process from soil pH and liming requirement to phosphorus and potassium.

Mark Plunkett president of the Fertiliser Association of Ireland stated: “Reliable soil test results are the foundation to planning the application of lime and provides the basis for making informed nutrient (slurry, phosphorus and potassium) application decisions at key times during the growing season.”