Fertiliser test strips are a tool that can assist in determining the responsiveness of a pasture to applied nutrients. They are useful in certain situations or in combination with other tools.

Introduction

A pasture's nutrient requirements should be assessed using a number of methods, including soil and plant tissue testing and visual paddock indicators.

Soil tests are a good tool for assessing the fertility levels of the major nutrients (Phosphorus, Potassium, and Sulphur) as well as soil characteristics, properties and structure. Tissue tests are the preferred method for testing the trace element status of the soil. Soil test strips are another tool that can provide a guide to the responsiveness of a pasture to nutrients, but they are not always effective.

Fertiliser test strips are basically a trial conducted in the paddock to see if there is any response to added nutrients or a combination of nutrients.