Soil TestingIf you grow anything these days it is important to conduct proper soil testing. We have proven technology to find out what nutrients are in our soils and what each crop needs for optimum growth. When we over fertilize we waste time, energy, and money and this effects the bottom line.Soil testing kit, soil testing probes, and assistance can be obtained through the Sullivan County Conservation District Office. There is a fee associated with the test kit analysis. All soil tests submitted through the District Office are tested at the Penn State Soil Lab. For more information, contact the district office
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Frequently Asked Questions
How large an area can be included in a single soil sample and can several fields be combined into one sample?
The key is to sample uniform areas with similar, manure, fertilizer and cropping histories. Soil types are also key in determining the size of a individual soil test. Too often a wrong assumption is made that if fields have the same crop then everything else is similar and one soil test is adequate for that crop. However, most of the time there is significant field-to-field variation in soil test levels. Thus, the best sampling strategy is usually to sample each field individually.
If the samples from individual fields that are managed exactly the same are very similar, these fields could be combined in the future. However, the Nutrient Management Technical Manual indicates that a single soil sample should not cover more than about 20 acres total.
How often should I take soil samples?
It is recommended that samples be taken every 3 years (the regulations for ACT 38 specify this testing for operations requiring nutrient management plans).
What is the standard procedure for soil sampling?
Guidelines for taking soil samples can be found in the Penn State Agronomy Guide and are summarized below:
This information is found in the USDA Soil Survey. Every county has a Soil Survey. The Soil Survey identifies the location of soil types and references the areas on aerial photographs for the entire County. It also provides information on each soil found in the County. The Sullivan County Conservation District will gladly provide assistance in obtaining soil maps for your operation. All soil mapping is now done through an internet site maintained by the USDA. Penn State has developed a soil mapping site that uses soil data from USDA but tends to be easier to navigate. The links below provides access to both websites.
The key is to sample uniform areas with similar, manure, fertilizer and cropping histories. Soil types are also key in determining the size of a individual soil test. Too often a wrong assumption is made that if fields have the same crop then everything else is similar and one soil test is adequate for that crop. However, most of the time there is significant field-to-field variation in soil test levels. Thus, the best sampling strategy is usually to sample each field individually.
If the samples from individual fields that are managed exactly the same are very similar, these fields could be combined in the future. However, the Nutrient Management Technical Manual indicates that a single soil sample should not cover more than about 20 acres total.
How often should I take soil samples?
It is recommended that samples be taken every 3 years (the regulations for ACT 38 specify this testing for operations requiring nutrient management plans).
What is the standard procedure for soil sampling?
Guidelines for taking soil samples can be found in the Penn State Agronomy Guide and are summarized below:
- Do not wait until the last minute. The best time to sample is in the summer or fall.
- Take cores from at least 15 to 20 spots randomly over the field to obtain a representative sample. One sample should not represent more than 20 acres.
- Sample between rows. Avoid old fencerows, dead furrows, and other spots that are not representative of the whole field.
- Take separate samples from problem areas if they can be treated separately.
- In cultivated fields, sample to plow depth
- Take two samples from no-till fields: one to a 6 inch depth for lime and fertilizer recommendations, and one to a 2 inch depth to monitor surface acidity.
- Sample permanent pastures to a 3 to 4 inch depth.
- Collect the samples in a clean container.
- Mix the core samplings, allow to air dry and remove roots and stones.
- Fill the soil test container.
- Complete the information sheet, giving all of the information requested. Be sure to include the soil name. Remember, the recommendation can be only as good as the information supplied.
This information is found in the USDA Soil Survey. Every county has a Soil Survey. The Soil Survey identifies the location of soil types and references the areas on aerial photographs for the entire County. It also provides information on each soil found in the County. The Sullivan County Conservation District will gladly provide assistance in obtaining soil maps for your operation. All soil mapping is now done through an internet site maintained by the USDA. Penn State has developed a soil mapping site that uses soil data from USDA but tends to be easier to navigate. The links below provides access to both websites.