Soil Testing for South Dakota

Considerable interest in soil testing is developing among farmers of the state. Many inquiries are now being made regarding the methods and procedures of sampling and submitting the soil for chemical analysis. Before accurate soil analysis and sound recommendations can be made, it is necessary to obtain soil samples that are representative of a particular field on a farm. Along with the sample it is necessary to have additional information such as, cropping history, slope, manure or fertilizer used, and drainage on that field. This pamphlet was prepared to show the necessity of obtaining a representative sample and how to take a soil sample and prepare it for shipment to the Soil Testing Laboratory. Soil tests supply information on the present fertility status of the soil. They also furnish information on the capacity of the soil to deliver plant food to crops. It is this information, as well as various influencing soil factors, mainly physical, which enable recommendations to be made