Soil Series #11: What Our Soil Tests Will Tell Us (And Why They Matter)

Soil Series #11: What Our Soil Tests Will Tell Us (And Why They Matter)

Over the past several posts in this series, we’ve talked about the practices we’re using to rebuild soil at Dos Lobos Ranch.

Practices like:

• rotational grazing
• bale grazing
• cover crops
• compost and biochar
• encouraging dung beetles
• allowing pasture rest and recovery

These practices are designed to gradually improve soil health over time.

But there’s an important question behind all of it:

How do we actually measure progress?

That’s where soil testing comes in.

Why Soil Testing Matters

Soil improvement can often be seen visually.

Darker soil color, thicker grass growth, and improved water infiltration are all signs that soil biology is improving.

But visual observations only tell part of the story.

Soil tests allow us to measure specific indicators of soil health, including:

• soil organic matter levels
• mineral balance
• pH levels
• nutrient availability
• biological activity

These measurements help confirm whether the changes we’re seeing in the field are reflected in the soil itself.

Measuring Soil Organic Matter

One of the most important numbers we’ll be watching is soil organic matter (SOM).

As we discussed earlier in this series, SOM plays a major role in:

• water retention
• nutrient cycling
• soil structure
• plant growth

When we began focusing more intentionally on regenerative practices a few years ago, our soil visually appeared to be around 2–3% organic matter, which is common for pastures in our region.

Our goal is to gradually increase that number over time as we continue improving pasture management.

Even small increases can make a significant difference in how the soil functions.

Tracking Soil Improvement Over Time

One soil test is useful, but multiple tests over several years tell a much more meaningful story.

Soil health improvements tend to happen gradually.

By testing soil periodically, we can track how the land responds to our management practices and see whether soil organic matter and nutrient balance are improving.

This also helps guide future decisions about grazing, amendments, and pasture management.

Testing Different Areas of the Ranch

Because our pastures have different histories and management practices, we plan to test soil from several locations across the ranch.

For example:

• our main hay field, where most grazing rotations occur
• our north pasture, which was bale grazed over the winter and is currently running light animal activity with goats, piglets, and young hoglets to keep the weed pressure down
• areas that have received compost or soil amendments

Testing multiple locations allows us to compare how different management approaches influence soil improvement.

What We Hope to Learn

The goal of soil testing isn’t just to get a number.

It’s to understand how the entire system is changing.

These tests can help answer questions such as:

• Are soil organic matter levels increasing?
• Are mineral levels becoming more balanced?
• Are soil conditions improving across the pasture?

The answers help guide how we continue managing the land.

Transparency Matters

One of the values we try to maintain at Dos Lobos Ranch is transparency.

When we talk about regenerative practices, we believe it’s important to support those ideas with measurable data whenever possible.

As we begin collecting soil test results, we plan to share those numbers and what they mean for our pasture and livestock system.

The Long-Term Goal

Healthy soil is the foundation of everything we do on the ranch.

By rebuilding soil organic matter and improving soil biology, we’re working toward a system that can support:

• stronger pasture growth
• healthier animals
• more resilient land

And that ultimately leads to better food for the families who support our farm.

What’s Next in the Soil Series

In the next post, we’ll step back and look at the bigger picture:

How soil health connects to the quality of the meat we raise.

From grass roots to animal nutrition, soil plays a much larger role in food quality than many people realize.

— Dos Lobos Ranch