Soil Testing
Roots to Richer Fields
Soil Testing and Nutrient Management for Healthy Crops
By Rachel Witte
Maintaining soil health is the foundation of successful crop production. Healthy soil supports robust plant growth, optimizes yields and sustains long-term agricultural productivity. Testing is an indispensable tool for determining the level of your soil health. Combined with a comprehensive nutrient management plan, it can help farmers make informed decisions to enhance fertility and crop performance.
Why Testing Matters
Soil testing provides a snapshot of the soil’ s nutrient profile, pH level and organic matter content. By identifying nutrient deficiencies or imbalances, farmers can make targeted adjustments that improve soil fertility while minimizing waste and environmental impacts.
The benefits are substantial in that informed fertilizer use prevents over- or under-application, saving costs and protecting waterways from nutrient runoff. Balanced nutrients directly contribute to improved yields, while sustainable soil management ensures the land remains fertile for future generations.
Soil testing’ s precision and comprehensiveness make it an invaluable foundation for building a targeted, efficient and sustainable agricultural production plan.
The Testing Process
A soil test begins with proper sampling, as the quality of the sample directly affects the accuracy of the results. To ensure reliable data: Ŋ Divide the field into sections based on soil type, past cropping history and management practices. Each section should be sampled separately.
Ŋ Collect soil from multiple locations within each section using a soil probe or auger. Samples are typically taken from a depth of 6 inches to 8 inches.
Ŋ Combine and mix these subsamples into a composite sample for each section. A composite sample captures the average condition of your field while keeping testing cost-effective and efficient. Remove any debris and prepare about 1 cup to 2 cups of soil for analysis.
Ŋ Send the samples to a reputable laboratory that offers comprehensive testing for macronutrients, micronutrients, pH and organic matter.
12 | 515-574-2341 | 515-574-2189 | February 2025