Though we often think of soil testing as a spring chore, fall can
actually be a better time. Soil-testing laboratories are often very busy
during the spring resulting in a longer turnaround from submission to
recommendations.

Also, soils in the spring are often waterlogged, making
taking samples difficult. If your soil test suggests more organic
matter, fall is a much better season because materials are more
available than in the spring (tree leaves), and fresher materials can be
used without harming young tender spring-planted plants.

Begin by taking a representative sample from at least six locations
in the garden or lawn. Each sample should contain soil from the surface
to about 6 to 8 inches deep. This is most easily done with a soil
sampler.

Many K-State Research and Extension offices have such samplers
available for checkout. If you don’t have a sampler, use a shovel to dig
straight down into the soil. Then shave a small layer off the back of
the hole for your sample. Mix the samples together in a clean plastic
container and select about 1 to 1.5 cups of soil. This can be placed in
a plastic container such as a resealable plastic bag.

Take the soil to your county extension office to have tests done
for a small charge at the K-State soil-testing laboratory. A soil test
determines fertility problems, not other conditions that may exist such
as poor drainage, poor soil structure, soil borne diseases or insects,
chemical contaminants or damage, or shade with root competition from
 other plants. All of these conditions may reduce plant performance but
cannot be evaluated by a soil test.

If you have any questions, or would like more information, you can contact me by calling 620-793-1910, by email at [email protected] or just drop by the office located at 1800 12th street in Great Bend. This is Alicia Boor, one of the Agriculture and Natural Resources agents for the Cottonwood District which includes Barton and Ellis counties. Have a good week!