A simple, real-world comparison: field meter readings and core samples from a subsoil-mulched area vs a nearby control sample.
Sampling and testing done by BillyGoat Mulching in a controlled area.
Control core
- Soil was lighter brown for ~2 inches, then transitioned into sandy red clay, then hard red clay
- Soil became very hard around ~5–6 inches, making sampling more difficult
What Changed
Six months after subsoil mulching, the treated area showed:
- Higher nutrient readings (N, P, K)
- Higher conductivity (EC) Available nutrients.
- Slightly higher pH
- A darker, deeper topsoil layer and less refusal/hardpan during sampling
Test setup
How the samples were taken
- Two samples taken at the same time
- Control sample taken approximately 20 feet away from the treated area
- Core depth target: approximately 8–10 inches
- No lime or fertilizer applied in either area during the last 6 months
- Readings were taken with a digital field meter
Why this matters
Soil can vary naturally even over short distances. That’s why we compared a treated area to a nearby control sample taken the same day.
Field readings Control vs Subsoil-mulched
Control sample
- Temperature: 22.9°C
- Humidity: 21.6%
- Conductivity (EC): 35 µS/cm
- pH: 6.0
- Nitrogen (N): 1 mg/kg
- Phosphorus (P): 2 mg/kg
- Potassium (K / Kalium): 5 mg/kg
- Fertility: 19 mg/kg
Subsoil-mulched sample
- Temperature: 23.4°C
- Humidity: 21.6%
- Conductivity (EC): 63 µS/cm
- pH: 6.4
- Nitrogen (N): 3 mg/kg
- Phosphorus (P): 4 mg/kg
- Potassium (K / Kalium): 10 mg/kg
- Fertility: 34 mg/kg
Subsoil Mulched Vs. Control
- Humidity and Temperature were about the same.
- pH: +0.4
- Conductivity (EC): +28 µS/cm (+80%)
- Nitrogen (N): +2 mg/kg (3× / +200%)
- Phosphorus (P): +2 mg/kg (2× / +100%)
- Potassium (K): +5 mg/kg (2× / +100%)
- Fertility: +15 mg/kg (+79%)
What this likely means
These readings and cores are consistent with:
- More organic matter mixed into the soil profile (darker color deeper)
- Improved soil structure/porosity (less hardpan/refusal)
- More nutrient availability and biological activity (higher EC and higher N/P/K readings)
Important disclaimer
- These are field meter readings and are best used as a directional comparison, not a full lab analysis.
- Soil can vary naturally even within short distances.
- For exact nutrient recommendations, a lab soil test is recommended.
Subsoil-mulched core
- Soil was very dark down to ~8 inches, then transitioned toward red clay
- Sampling reached deeper before refusal
These soil testing results show what subsoil mulching actually changes below the surface, not just how the property looks when we leave. By grinding vegetation extremely fine and mixing/burying that organic material into the top layer of soil, the goal is to improve structure, increase pore space for air and water movement, and build organic matter that supports healthier biology and stronger root growth. The “before vs. after” readings on this page are here to document that shift in a practical way: darker, more workable soil; better moisture handling; and a surface that’s easier to establish with seed and maintain over time. Every site is different, so these numbers should be viewed as real-world field data from this property, not a guarantee, but they help explain why subsoil mulching can be more than clearing: it can be a true soil upgrade when the end goal is growth, pasture, food plots, or long-term land management.
Want a cleaner, more maintainable finish and a better starting point for seeding, food plots, pasture, or hay fields?