Soil Testing

Why Testing soil is important

Soil testing is an important diagnostic tool to evaluate nutrient imbalances, understand plant growth, and optimize crop production. Testing soil provides a foundation for mindful application of fertilizer and lime while also providing an opportunity for growers and homeowners to maintain an optimal pH range of 6-7 which keeps nutrients more available for plant growth. Soil management also protects our environment from the pollutants of improper fertilization such as excess phosphorus and nitrogen. Not only will crop yields increase when you begin managing your soil health, profit yields will rise as well. Soil tests will provide the information needed to decide how much fertilizer the crops actually need and how often fertilizer needs applied ultimately reducing these costs.

When to test your soil

Sampling can be done at any time, but late October or early November is usually preferable. Avoid sampling when the soil is very wet or recently limed or fertilized.

What tests are performed?

The basic soil test results will tell you the pH of the soil, organic matter (nutrient holding capacity), available phosphorus (P), and available potassium (K). The soil may also be tested for nitrogen (N), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), boron (B), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn).

Who takes the soil samples?

Your local County Extension offices can instruct you on how to take samples yourself. There are businesses that you can contact that will obtain the sample for you, one such group is your local Farmer’s Coop.

The Upper Loup NRD understand the importance of soil testing and has a cost share program to help land owners defray part of the costs associated with testing. You can find the application for the program below.