Soil testing provides producers and homeowners with important information concerning the fertility status of the soil. This information can help produce better crops and reduce costs by guiding management decisions like the type and amount of fertilizers to apply. If you plan to do your own soil sampling and use the K-State Soil Testing Laboratory, the following outline provides specific information on methods for collecting soil samples and mailing instructions. A companion article in this eUpdate gives a more detailed discussion of collecting a representative soil sample.
Soil collection and submission guidelines
- To take a sample, you will need a probe, auger, or spade, and a clean pail. (If you’re having the soil analyzed for zinc, be sure to use a plastic container to avoid contamination from galvanized buckets or material made of rubber.) You will also need soil sample containers and a soil information sheet from your local Extension office or fertilizer dealer. You can also order soil sample bags online from K-State Research and Extension by clicking here.
- Draw a map of the sample area on the information sheet and divide your fields into uniform areas. Each area should have the same soil texture, color, slope, and fertilization and cropping history.
- From each area, take a sample of 20-30 cores or slices for best results. At the very minimum, 12-15 cores should be taken per sample. Mix the cores thoroughly in a clean container and fill your soil sample container. For available nitrogen, chloride, or sulfur tests, a subsoil sample to 24 inches is necessary.
- Avoid sampling in old fencerows, dead furrows, low spots, feeding areas, or other areas that might give unusual results. If information is desired on these unusual areas, obtain a separate sample from the area.
- Be sure to label the soil container clearly and record the numbers on the soil container and the information sheet.
- Air-dry the samples as soon as possible for the available nitrogen test. (Air drying before shipment is recommended, but not essential, for all other tests.) Do not use heat for drying.
- If same-day submission is not possible, samples should be air-dried (see above) or placed in a refrigerator set at 40 degrees F or less. See the companion article in this eUpdate, “Soil sample handling practices can affect soil nitrate test accuracy”.
- Fill out the information sheet obtained from your Extension office, or download a sheet.
- Take the samples to your local Research and Extension office for shipping. Samples may also be sent directly to the lab by placing them in a shipping container. Information sheets should be included with the package. Shipping labels can be printed from the Soil Testing Lab website listed below. Mail the package to:
Soil Testing Laboratory
2308 Throckmorton PSC
1712 Claflin Road
Manhattan, KS 66506-5503
A listing of the types of soil analysis offered, and the costs are available on the Soil Testing Lab website, www.agronomy.k-state.edu/outreach-and-services/soil-testing-lab/. You can also contact the lab by email at soiltesting@ksu.edu and by phone at 785-532-7897.
Additional resources
For more information on the proper procedures for the Soil Testing Laboratory, see K-State publication MF-734 at: https://www.bookstore.ksre.k-state.edu/pubs/MF734.pdf.
Dorivar Ruiz Diaz, Nutrient Management Specialist
ruizdiaz@ksu.edu
Bryan Rutter, Soil Testing Lab Manager
rutter@ksu.edu