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A Guide to Collecting Soil Samples for Farms and Gardens

Melissa Fery and, Elizabeth Murphy (September, 2013)

Summary

Laboratory soil tests help you develop and maintain more productive soil and increase crop production by providing information on the available nutrient content of your soil. Soil testing helps you select the correct kind and amount of fertilizer and liming material. Recommendations are based on the results of fertilizer experiments, soil surveys, and results obtained by farmers. This publication gives concise discussions on why, when, and where to collect your soil sample, and straightforward instructions for how to take the soil sample and choose a lab to perform the analysis.