Soil testing is a great tool in determining the condition of your soil and in helping you make decisions about adding amendments for your particular crop. Soil testing is also an excellent tool for investigating plant problems. However, there is usually more to a plant problem than just the soil. Soil testing does not reveal problems such as insects and disease.

If you have a problem with your crop and you don't know the cause, consult your local agent of the cooperative extension service. Your agent can help you determine what your problem is or suggest how to investigate it. Your agent may suggest that you submit a problem soil sample.

A problem soil sample is taken similiar to a regular soil sample, except that you should take samples from a good area (if there is one) and from the bad areas. You should keep the bad samples in separate boxes from the good and with separate identifying numbers. When you go to your extension center, your information will be written on a different form than for regular soil samples. The two samples will be analyzed and the results compared to see if there is any differences between them that could be causing the problem. You should consult with your county agent before submitting a problem soil sample.

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Date Created 3/22/99.
Revised 2/26/02.