Soil Testing

Don’t guess with soil fertility. Set your growing program up for success with a soil test.

Laboratory soil testing is a fundamental aspect in developing and implementing any soil fertility program. A soil test, which can range from a composite sample representing 80 acres, to intensive grid samples representing one acre, provides the clarity needed to accurately maximize yield with the proper amount of inputs.

Reach out to one of our soil experts for more information on our test packages and services.

Responsible Stewardship

Know your soil nutrients to make responsible fertility decisions (right source, right rate, right time, right place) 

Cost Savings

Don’t spend money on inputs where you don’t have to! Uncover the true nutrient status of soil with an analysis

Automated Data Processing

API transfer allows clients to view data their way

Certified

AgSource Laboratories follows strict and rigorous testing standards

Explore packages offered by lab location

Ellsworth, Iowa

Soil Testing Packages 

Basic: Potassium, Phosphorus, pH, Buffer pH, Organic Matter  

Basic Plus: Basic Package + CEC 

Basic Select: Basic Plus Package + Zinc, Sulfur

Complete: Basic Select + Copper, Iron, Manganese, Boron 

Cyst Nematode Only: Soybean Cyst Nematode (no fertility)  

Nitrate (NO3) Only: Nitrate (no fertility). Ammonium (NH4) can be added 

Additional Tests
•   Bray Phosphorus (Bray P1)  
•   Bray 2 Phosphorus (Bray P2)  
•   Olsen Phosphorus (Olsen P)  
•   Soluble Salts
•   Wet K (Moist Soil Extracted K)
•   Late Spring/Pre-Sidedress Nitrate
•   Soybean Cyst Nematode

*Additional tests may be available upon request 

Lincoln, Nebraska

Soil Testing Packages 

Basic: Soil pH, Buffer Index, Soluble Salt, Excess Carbonate, Organic Matter, Sodium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, CEC, Percent Base Saturation, Fertilizer Recommendations 

Routine: Basic Package + Nitrate, Sulfur, Zinc 

Diagnostic: Routine Package + Manganese, Copper, Iron, Boron  

Additional Tests  
•   Nitrate
•   Traces
•   Salinity 
•   Soluble Nutrients
•   PSA
•   Late Spring/Pre-Sidedress Nitrate

*Additional tests may be available upon request 

Wisconsin

Soil Testing Packages 

Basic: pH, Buffer pH, Potassium, Phosphorus, Organic Matter 

Routine: Basic Package + Calcium, Magnesium, CEC, Percent Base Saturation 

Complete: Routine Package + Boron, Zinc, Sulfur, Manganese 

Complete Plus: Complete Package + Copper, Iron, Lime and Fertilizer Recommendation  

 Additional Tests
•   
Ammonium Acetate
•   
Mehlich 3 P 
•   
Olsen P 
•   
Bray 2 P (strong bray)
•   
Chloride
•   
Molybdenum
•   
Soil Texture
•   
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen
•   
Ammonium
•   
% Carbon 
•   
Nematode (Soybean or Corn) 
•   
Bulk Density
•   
Late Spring/Pre-Sidedress Nitrate 

 *Additional tests may be available upon request 

Turnaround time for soil analysis is two working days.

AgSource can provide a variety of reporting options customized to your specific needs, including transfer of data via API.

Popular options include:

Results are available in a variety of formats including Excel, PDF, CSV or XML files online, via email or standard mail as well as API/web service.

A good sample is the key to an accurate analysis. Consistency is the important to obtaining the most accurate soil test results for a soil fertility program. Follow our basic sampling reminders for best results.

AgSource Laboratories Soil Sampling Reminders:

  • Most surface samples are taken from a depth of 0 – 6” up to 8” as this is where management of fertilizers and soil amendments occur. For mobile nutrients (nitrate, sulfate and chloride) an additional profile (6-36” up to 38”) should be collected in a separate bag with the sample depth labeled.
  • A composite sample allows for a representative analysis. At least 15-20 cores are needed for conventional sampling, and a minimum of 10 cores are necessary for GRID soil sampling.
  • Fill soil bag completely. The laboratory needs at least 8-16 oz. of material to perform all analyses.
  • Consistency is key – the time of year you test (early fall vs. spring) can affect analytical results. Whatever time of year you decide to sample, it is best to stick to it annually.
  • Soil is biologically active! It is important to collect a sample and ship no later than the next day. If storage is required three options are available: dry the soil with low heat (no greater than 120°F), store in a freezer, or refrigerate. This will slow down biological activity, preserving sample integrity periods.

Soil Sampling Guide

Soil Testing Companion Analysis

Plant Tissue Testing

Looking to fine-tune your fertilizer program throughout the growing season? We recommend using our summary plant tissue report which allows you to track and view past sample results of your crop

Contact Us

contact us