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Recommended Soil Sampling Methods and Instructions

Updated August 31, 2020
Jason Clark

Jason Clark

Assistant Professor & SDSU Extension Soil Fertility Specialist

Review and Revision: Jason Clark
Original Publication: 2006 - R. Gelderman, J. Gerwing, and K. Reitsma

Soil testing is your best way to evaluate the fertility status of a field or of areas within a field. When you send a sample off to the laboratory for plant-available nutrient analysis, a good soil sample that adequately represents your field or area gives you good results. A poor sample will only lead to an analysis of limited value and be a waste of your time and money.

For information regarding nearby soil testing labs see: Soil Testing Labs