Soil Testing

Soil Test Instructions

To establish baseline data and determine current status of soil fertility and soil biology we recommend you collect soil samples for the performance of a Haney Test and a PLFA Test. In addition, use a shovel to routinely check soil divots so you can monitor progress in developing soil aggregation. Here are the instructions for the soil testing that we will ask you to do.

Plant growing in a book
  • 1 We prefer that soil temperatures be above 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12.8 degrees Celsius) at 2 inch depth before samples are taken.
  • 2 Take multiple core samples per field 6” in depth. Please be precise. Proper depth is critical. Place in a clean plastic bucket (do not use a metal bucket). The number of core samples to take will depend on the variability of the soils in the field. The more variability, the more samples you should take.
  • 3 Once you have collected at least 20 core samples per field, mix them all together thoroughly.
  • 4 Take a portion of the sample and place in one-quart size ziplock baggie. Fill it at least 3/4 full. Using a permanent sharpie marker write the name of the test you want performed, the date of collection, field ID, farm/ranch name, your phone number, and Understanding Ag. Mark the baggie Haney Test, PLFA Test, or Haney & PLFA Test. Both the Haney and PLFA Tests can be run from one baggie as long as it is a quart baggie that is at least 3/4 full.
  • 5 Keep the baggies cool by placing in a cooler of some type (no need for ice). This protects the samples from excess heat and direct sunlight.
  • 6 You do not need more than one sample for analysis for each field. If adjacent fields perform similarly, then you can combine samples from two or more very similar fields into a single sample for analysis. In this case, make sure you appropriately identify the sample so that you know which fields the results represent.
  • 7 Ship immediately, preferably via overnight shipment to:
    Regen Ag Lab
    31740 Hwy 10
    Pleasanton, NE 68866
    308-440-1681
  • 8 Regen Ag will bill Understanding Ag for the tests. Understanding Ag will invoice UA clients.
  • 9 Understanding Ag offers soil interpretation as one of our consulting services. If you would like more information, please contact Kathy at 256-996-3142.

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