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NRCS CEMA 216 SOIL HEALTH TESTING

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What is CEMA 216?

CEMA 216 Soil Health Testing is a USDA NRCS program under the Regenerative Agriculture Pilot Program, which helps producers use and track the results of regenerative farming practices.
 
Unlike a standard soil test, CEMA 216 is a soil health measure of how your soil is actually functioning — including biological activity, carbon cycling, and structural stability. Results are tracked over time, so you can see whether practices like cover crops or reduced tillage are making a difference.
 
Your standard fertility testing is still the foundational tool for making input decisions. CEMA 216 adds a deeper layer of information about how your management choices are affecting long-term soil health.
 
To learn about funding and whether you qualify, contact your local NRCS office.
 

Ready to get started with CEMA 216? Contact our team to order sample supplies or ask questions about the process.

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What tests are included?

Soil pH

Texture

Soil Organic Carbon

Soil Respiration

Labile Carbon

Bioavailable
Nitrogen

Wet Aggregate Stability

Additional soil health analysis available 

AgSource Routine Soil Health: in adition to the above listed CEMA 216 Core Requirements includes

  • Fertility Analysis: Soil pH, Buffer pH, Soluble Salts, Organic Matter, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium, Nitrate, Sulfur, Zinc, Manganese, Copper, Iron, Boron, Calculated CEC and Percent Base Saturation
  • Soil Health Assessment: Water soluble Nitrate-N and Ammoniacal-N, Water Soluble Organic C:N Ratio, Water Saturation%, and Soil Health Score.

AgSource Complete Soil Health: in addition to the above Routine Soil Health and CEMA 216 Core Requirements includes:

  • Haney H3A Extraction: Orthophosphate-P, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Iron, and Aluminum

How to get started

  • Plan your sampling strategy. Select locations and collect at least 3 composite samples per field (5 subsamples each).
  • Collect your samples. Keep samples cool, not frozen, following collection. View our sampling guide.
  • Submit samples. Fill out submission form and ship to our Lincoln Lab as soon as possible post sampling.

Have questions or need sample bags and submission forms? We’re here to help!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. AgSource provides all tests required under CEMA 216 soil health testing using NRCS-approved methods

Yes. AgSource holds the certifications required by NRCS for CEMA 216 analysis. Ask your AgSource representative for documentation if needed for your NRCS deliverables.

The CEMA 216 package covers the seven indicators required by NRCS: wet aggregate stability, soil organic carbon, soil respiration, labile carbon, bioavailable nitrogen, soil pH, and soil texture. The methods used can be found on (the AgSource webpage). 

Call your nearest AgSource location ahead of time to order. Bags and forms are free of charge.

At least 3 composite samples per field (or planning land unit). Each composite is made from 5 subsamples collected within the same area. One composite sample can represent up to 20 acres.

Yes. A 1x1 inch thick core taken to a depth of 6 to 8 inches is needed for each subsample. To avoid compressing the core it is best to use a straight shovel or a 1 inch ID sampling probe.

Samples must be mailed directly to the Lincoln, NE lab. 

Submit as soon as possible after collection. If held overnight, keep cool but do not freeze. If holding longer than a day or two, air-dry the samples on paper and re-bag before shipping.

Your local AgSource representative would be happy to help address any testing, sample supply, or sample status inquiries. Questions about the CEMA 216 program and eligibility should be directed to your local NRCS office.