The CROP Soil Test Hub
Do you have FOMO for missing our annual 'Understanding Your Soil Test' workshop?! Do you want to get a soil test but also want to know what to do with it? Tired of trying to find people to help you analyse your test or use companies that then try to sell you their products as the 'solutions'?
(By the way, it's understandable that they try to sell you their products - it's because they really believe in them! But sometimes it is nice to have an independent, objective opinion).
We got ya.
The CROP Soil Test Hub
Soil Testing and Analysis made easy!
CROP runs a fun annual Workshop in Raglan during Winter called ‘Understanding Your Soil Test’. Find out more here.
We also have a year-round consultancy where you send in your soil test and we will come back with an analysis and recommendations for your growing space. No soil test? We can sort that for you too!
“The numbers on the soil test looked daunting at first but i feel i can go into this season having confidence in knowing what to do to get my soil on track and towards optimal growth in my dahlias.”
This is how it works.
If you want to join a Workshop over Winter to learn how to read a soil test, visit our Workshops page here for all the deets.
If you would like to learn more about our year-round Consultancy, read on.
Our aim is to help demystify soil tests for smaller growers who don’t have access to soil scientists, farm consultants or fertiliser companies for soil test recommendations. We want you to get a soil test and have it explained to you so you know what to do with it!
We will analyse your soil test, tell you objectively what your soil requires and provide you with some recommendations for amendments for your growing space. No pushing of any particular products, just the facts!
We can also sort the soil test for you, if you send us your sample.
We can help anyone - individuals, vegetable growers, flower farmers, market gardeners, orchard and food forest owners, backyard growers, gardeners, lifestyle property owners, large commercial growers, and everyone in-between. If you grow stuff in soil - whether that’s pasture or a crop - we can help you.
Do you have your own test already?
$175 for the analysis and recommendations
You will get a one page document with recommendations within 10 business days of you sending your soil test in
+ one 45 minute Zoom call at 6.30pm, Mon to Wed to answer any questions
+ if a further follow up call/ email is requested, this will be charged at $100 for 45 minutes, or $75 for an email
Small print: You have 2 months to set up your call with us once the initial written recommendations have been sent, otherwise you forfeit that part of the consultation. This is to ensure that you receive the right analysis within an appropriate timeframe for that particular soil test.
Would you like us to organise you a soil test?
$150 (Brookside soil test) + $175 consultancy
$325
As above but also:
You will need to send a soil sample to Hamilton (we will not collect the soil sample for you). At the outset, we consult with you on how you can take an accurate soil sample. You send this to us and we then get a Brookside (US based) soil test done for you. It will take 3-4 weeks to get your soil test back once we have received your sample in Hamilton. We will then endeavor to get you your one page document with recommendations within a week, so factor in 4 to 5 weeks in total for this option, from receipt of your sample. We will always try to do it in the quickest timeframe possible.
Small print: The Brookside test is done in the US and so we cannot be held liable for delays in postage but we will do our utmost to ensure we get you your analysis within the timeframe listed above.
Why do we use Brookside tests in the US as opposed to other local tests, eg Hills?
We really recommend doing a soil test through Brookside. It's different from Hills as it looks at more regenerative farming practices. It's generally the test you go for if you care about soil structure and long-term fertility, and it is laid out to help you understand soil ratios and partnerships within the soil a little better. Being based in the US seems counter-intuitive but it is actually worth the little more time it takes to get the results. In our Soil Workshops, we had attendees bring Hills, Brookside and Eurofinns and we all felt we could get the most useful, reliable info from Brookside. However, it’s like parenting - lots of views and very subjective!
