Eight Reasons to Test Your Soil

Soil testing can tell you many things about your soil that can help you make informed decisions about fertilizer application, site selection for crops, and so much more. It is an essential part of a successful agriculture or horticulture enterprise. Home gardens and lawns can also greatly benefit from soil testing.

With the wet pattern Kentucky has been in over the past year, soil testing is paramount to having a quality hay supply for next winter.

There’s really no reason not to test your soil since your local Kentucky Cooperative Extension office makes it easy. So, let’s get to it. Why should you test your soil?

1. Know the pH level of your soil. Soil experts will make different recommendations depending on the acidity or alkalinity of your soil and your intended use.
2. Save time and money. Having the proper levels of soil nutrients will help maximize economic yields. Soil testing also reduces the chance of over-applying and over purchasing fertilizers.
3. It’s good for the environment. Soil testing results in a more accurate application of fertilizers and that ultimately reduces runoff into waterways.
4. There’re inexpensive. The Oldham County Extension office charges a $10 fee to cover soil analysis costs, but Oldham County residents can get up to five free soil tests a year by contacting the Oldham County Soil and Water Conservation District.
5. It’s easy. Taking samples doesn’t take a lot of time or skill, and your county agents can help you along the way.
6. Find out the fertility level of the soil. Gain knowledge about the soil condition, and make informed decisions about how to improve it.
7. Follow soil changes over time. Follow how conditions like drought, prolonged wet periods, and other weather scenarios affect the soil.
8. Identify problem areas in your field or garden.

You’ll need to take different samples for various land uses such as agricultural, fields, lawns, gardens, fruit trees, shrubs, and flowers because they all have distinct fertility and pH requirements.

For more information about soil testing, visit Oldham County Extension.

Written by Frank Sikora, University of Kentucky Soil Testing Coordinator. Edited by Lauren Fernandez, Oldham County Extension Assistant.