APA uses GPS equipment to map and soil sample fields every 2.5 acres to uncover different levels of fertility within a field that are not revealed when only one composite sample is taken from a large field. The steps involved in this process are detailed below. The field is mapped with a Global Positioning System (GPS).  This will give an exact acreage of the field. click to view The field is divided into sampling areas by looking at the topography of the field, crop yield, soil texture, cropping history, and any other information that will help to determine the cause of variability within a field. The field is sampled and the location of each sample is recorded with its GPS coordinates. The number of samples collected averages one sample for every 2.5 acres at 10 to 12 cores per sample. click to view Soil samples are analyzed at the lab of your choice. Maps are provided for each field giving the exact acreage and soil sample locations. click to view Maps are printed for organic matter, pH, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, potash as well as micro-nutrients, if desired. Lime and fertilizer recommendations are provided for usage on the crop. click to view Variable rate application plans are provided for lime and/or potash when necessary. Lime and/or fertilizer is applied using a spreader equipped with a GPS system and variable rate controller. click to view Variable rate spreading is available from: Matthews Lime Ltd., O’Leary, PEI M&M Lime Ltd., Village Green, PEI Frank E Doherty, Waterville, NS County Lime Ltd., Grand Falls, NB

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