To achieve accurate simulations, all Yield Prophet paddocks MUST be sampled to full potential rooting depth (at least 1 m) prior to sowing, preferably in March or early April.

Soil cores MUST be segmented in a minimum of four layers (eg. divided into sections of 0-10, 10-40, 40-70, 70-100 cm depths).

Detailed instructions on soil sampling for Yield Prophet are available   here   or for further information contact Tim McClelland.

The soil analyses required will depend on soil depth and whether or not the paddock has previously been included in Yield Prophet. Choose from the three scenarios below for an outline of costs and required analyses.



1. My paddock has been in Yield Prophet previously:

Required analysis
Sample depths (cm)	Nitrate & ammonia	Water %	CSBP cost (ex GST)
0-10	Y	Y	$13.00
10-40	Y	Y	$13.00
40-70	Y	Y	$13.00
70-100	Y	Y	$13.00
Total			$52.00

For information on how to send soil samples to CSBP click here.
For information on how to send soil samples to Incitec Pivot Nutrient Advantage Labs click here.



2. My paddock has NOT been in Yield Prophet previously:

Required analysis
Sample depths (cm)	Nitrate & ammonia	Water %	EC*	Chloride	pH (CaCl2)	OC^	CSBP cost (ex GST)
0-10	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	$27.00
10-40	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	N	$24.00
40-70	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	N	$24.00
70-100	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	N	$24.00
Total							$99.00

^*EC = Electrical Conductivity and ^{^}OC = Organic Carbon

For information on how to send soil samples to CSBP click here.
For information on how to send soil samples to Incitec Pivot Nutrient Advantage Labs click here.



3. My paddock has NOT been in Yield Prophet previously and I would like phosphorus and sulphur in analysis (NB. these tests are not needed for Yield Prophet):

Required analysis
Sample depths (cm)	Nitrate & ammonia	Water %	EC*	Chloride	pH (CaCl2)	OC^	Colwell P	PBI~	Sulphur	CSBP cost (ex GST)
0-10	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	$39.50
10-40	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	N	N	N	N	$24.00
40-70	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	N	N	N	N	$24.00
70-100	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	N	N	N	N	$24.00
Total										$115.50

^*EC = Electrical Conductivity, ^{^}OC = Organic Carbon and ^~ PBI = Phosphorus Buffer Index

For information on how to send soil samples to CSBP click here.
For information on how to send soil samples to Incitec Pivot Nutrient Advantage Labs click here.



Sending Samples to CSBP
1. Put soil samples from each paddock and depth interval into labeled, tightly-sealed zip-lock plastic bags as soon as possible (within minutes) after sampling. About 200-300 g of soil is all that is required - a few good handfuls. Keep them cool in an esky in the paddock and put them in the fridge back home until you post them. It is a good idea to post them early in the week so they don't languish in a post office over the weekend.

It is very important that you label your samples CLEARLY with:
- Your name
- Your phone number
- Date the samples were taken
- Paddock name/number
- Depth interval from which the soil came (eg. 10-40 cm)

2. Ensure the plastic bags are well sealed (it doesn't hurt to put them in a second bag). Make sure it is obvious who the samples are from ie. you have labeled your samples properly as described above.

Fill out the paddocks, depths and your details in the cover letter provided, and send it with the labeled samples by Express Post to:
CSBP laboratories
Attn: Geoff Proudfoot
2 Altona Street
Bibra Lake
WA 6163

4. You must either include Visa or MasterCard details, or send a cheque for the required amount. You also must include a return mailing address, fax or e-mail, and CSBP will send you the results, which you can then enter into Yield Prophet.



Sending samples to Incitec-Pivot Nutrient Advantage Labs
The Incitec-Pivot Nutrient Advantage labs require samples to come from an agent or dealer. If you want your samples analysed by Incitec-Pivot it is best to contact your local agricultural retailer/agent to arrange for analysis or alternatively you can call the lab directly on 1800 803 453.



Question? Comments? Doubts? Further information?
If you have a question, comment or slightest shred of doubt about anything to do with sampling initial conditions for Yield Prophet, please don't hesitate to contact:

Tim McClelland
Yield Prophet Coordinator
p: 03 9882 2670
f: 03 9882 0996
m: 0400 090 659
e: yieldprophet@bcg.org.au