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Test Your Soil for Plant Food and Lime Needs
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A soil test shows... •
Soil test recommendations include...
A soil test shows...
- The supply of plant food elements in the soil and...
-
If the soil test is in the correct pH range (too acid or too
alkaline).
Soil test recommendations include...
- Plant food needed at planting or green-up.
- Lime needed to offset harmful soil acidity.
-
Acidifying material needed to offset a harmful alkaline
condition.
- Extra nitrogen needed for desired production
Before taking soil samples, draw a sketch showing the different fields or areas. Number
each field or area.
Sample areas around shrubs separately from turf. If you have a large lawn or garden,
sample areas separately that have been managed differently or will be managed differently.
Sample each field or management unit separately. Use the following procedure.
1.Gently rake aside mulch or surface litter like straw, leaves and old stalks.
2.Take soil with a soil probe or shovel from at least 12 samples in each area to obtain
a representative sample. A zig-zag sampling pattern is preferred. Fertilizer and lime
recommendations are no better than the sample taken.
 
3.Sample crop fields to the depth of plowing, usually 6 inches. Take samples in
pastures, gardens, lawns, around shrubs and golf courses to a depth of about 4 inches. At
each stop, place a small core or strip of soil in a clean bucket or paper bag.
4.Mix soil thoroughly. Discard rocks, gravels and roots.
5.Allow the soil sample to air dry before filling the sample box. Spread the sample on
a clean surface in the open. Spreading newspaper or large paper bag on a countertop or
workbench works nicely. Do not heat the sample in an oven to speed drying.
6.Remove one pint for the laboratory sample. Label with the field number or name. Be
sure to completely fill the pint container.
7.Take samples to your county Extension agent’s office to send to the laboratory.
Be prepared to give a short history of each field. A good sample with accurate information
will result in a good recommendation.
Your soil tests can serve as a guide for fertilizer practices for the next three or
four years. If you have tests over four years old, take samples again for up-to-date
recommendations. If using intensive management or producing several crops per year,
consider sampling yearly.
For information on understanding the numbers on your soil test report, ask your county
agent for a copy of FSA 2118, Understanding the Numbers on Your Soil Test Report.
Also, ask your county agent about the availability of soil probes.
Authors:
Stanley L. Chapman, Extension
Soils Specialist
Michael B. Daniels, Environmental Management Specialist - Agriculture
Dr. Clifford S. Snyder, former Extension soils specialist, was
co-author of this publication. Acknowledgment is given to Richard DeSpain,
architectural draftsman, and Edward L. Rhodes, Jr., Extension design
specialist, for their assistance with this publication.
DR. STANLEY L. CHAPMAN is an
Extension soils specialist and DR. MICHAEL B. DANIELS is an environmental
management specialist - agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of
Arkansas, Little Rock.
FSA2121-PD-9-01R
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