Beginning Farmer & Land Access
Farm Soil Testing Guide for Beginners
A guide to farm soil testing for beginners. It explains how to plan a sampling route, collect samples, and record the results from a lab.
Download free PDF1 page, US Letter, prints clean in black and white
GuideBeginning Farmer & Land AccessFree PDF
The steps on this page
- Pick fields or zones to sample
- Gather clean tools and containers
- Follow your lab's sampling directions
- Label each sample clearly
- Send samples to a certified lab
- Record results by field
- Compare results with crop needs
- Plan amendments with an advisor
How to use this guide
Walk a new hand through the steps once, then let them use the page on their own. Add your own notes as you learn what works.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with eXtension and USDA NRCS.
For more in this area, see the farm loans, grants and taxes. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Jesus Was Born on a Dairy Farm, and agribusiness farm stories.