Careful soil sampling is essential for an accurate fertilizer recommendation. A sample must reflect the overall or average fertility of a field so analyses, interpretations and recommendations accurately represent the nutrient or mineral status of the soil. An accurate evaluation will result in more efficient fertilizer use, which can increase yields, reduce costs and potentially reduce environmental pollution.

A composite soil sample should represent a uniform field area. Each area should have a similar crop and fertilizer history for at least the last two years. Soil characteristics (color, slope, texture, drainage and degree of erosion) should appear similar. Exclude small areas within a field that are obviously different. These can be sampled separately if they are large enough to warrant special treatment. The field area represented by a single composite sample should represent no more than 40 irrigated acres or 100 dryland acres. Fewer acres is better.

Sample fields before each cropping season. Fertility trends over a period of years provide important information, indicating the adequacy of a fertilizer program (too much, too little, about the correct amount). The closer the samples are taken to planting time, the less chance there is for changes to occur. This usually is a problem only with N. However, soil samples may be taken either in the fall or spring. Fall sampling ensures the test results are ready in plenty of time for spring or for fall fertilization when weather usually is good and time not so critical.

Pinnacle offers complete soil sampling services including:

• 2.2 Acre Grid
• 3.25 Acre Grid
• 4.4 Acre Grid
• 5.0-7.6 Acre Grid
• 8-10 Acre Grid
• Grid by Soil Type
• Samples by Field