Soil Quality For Your Horse Farm

Buying an Equestrian Property?  Don’t Overlook Soil Quality

It can be difficult to find the perfect piece of land for managing horses. However, it is possible to know more about critical factors, such as soil quality, that can impact the health of horses and the management of a property, including outbuildings and pasture. Buyers who do not pay attention to soil quality may have a more difficult time with horse management and may have to supplement feed with additional minerals and chemical options, as mineral-rich soil often equates to better foraging options.

Soil Quality Is Important

Soil quality can be easily overlooked as those looking for equine real estate draw up their wish list for a property. However, this factor can be important for a number of reasons. Some may want to have quality pasture for their horses and this is dependent upon the type of soil and the grasses that may be able to grow on a particular soil type. In addition, some soil types, such as a loamy soil can be problematic for paddocks when it rains.

It may be necessary to have different soil types, such as a well-drained soil with gravel for areas such as confinement areas or buildings. The type of soil in an area can make for fewer issues with mud and for a better pasture growth environment. Horse management becomes easier with the right type of soil in the right location.

Vegetation – A Clue to Soil Quality & Drainage

Before examining the soil, there can be clues in the vegetation as to the amount of water in an area and the type of soil drainage. The types of plants growing in an area can indicate a wet and marshy area. Plants such as hardhack, rushes, sedges, and skunk cabbage often grow in wet areas that are not suitable to use as a pasture. This can be important when creating a layout for buildings and pastures for horses or other animals.
The types of shrubs and trees that grow in an area are often dependent upon soil type and prospective buyers can use the existing vegetation to determine whether or not the property is suitable for one’s purposes. Additionally, anyone selling a farm or equestrian property should be aware of all of the various types of trees and shrubs on the property to address any buyer questions or concerns. More information about the type of soil required by different plants can be found at the conservation district, extension office or local library.

Desirable Soil Features & Qualities

Those checking out a site for their horses may want to take a soil sample. Costs for the test are minimal, when a charge exists. It may be necessary to send in multiple sample for analysis, depending on the previous purposes of the land. If the soil is lacking in certain nutrients needed for horses, it is easier to make changes to chemical management rather than attempting to alter the physical management of soils and grasses.
Good outcomes from positive soil samples are often better for horses raised on high phosphoric soils. Owners may want to look for the presence of natural springs and big trees as this can be indicative of high phosphorus levels and mineral-rich water. Soil that retains excessive amounts of water does not make for strong hooves. Owners want to look for soil that is nutrient-rich and that drains well to support the health of their horses.

Questions about buying or selling equine real estate?  Please contact me… I’m glad to answer your questions.

email: [email protected]      434-960-0161

 

Source Attribution: Thank you to our guest blogger Dylan Snyder of The Snyder Group Real Estate in Jupiter FL.