Soil and Forage Testing
K-State Extension provides the latest research-based information from all disciplines related to soil and forage testing. Click on one of the links below to discover current information. If the information you are looking for is not available on our site, please feel free to contact Pottawatomie Couny Extension Office by e-mail or by phone.
Soil Testing
A soil test provides information on the basic fertility of soil.
Free Soil Test for Pottawatomie County Residents
The Pottawatomie County Conservation District Board will allow Pottawatomie County producers and landowners to submit up to 15 cropland soil samples for basic analysis, of which 2 samples can be lawn and garden soil samples, for free if they agree to not exceed K-State fertilizer recommendations by more than 110%. The funding for this program is provided by the County of Pottawatomie in Kansas.
- Name, mailing address, phone number
- Sample depth
- Previous crop
- Intended crop and yield goal
Soil Sampling Reference Videos and Resources
Click here to learn how to make your own Fertilizer Decisions!
Click here to learn about Grid Zone Sampling, Soil Chemistry and More!
Click here for the Basic "How to" of soil testing
Forage Testing
Forage testing can be a valuable tool for producers and livestock owners by providing accurate protein, energy, and nutritional values. Whether you have strict dietary components for your herd or you are looking for optimal consumption amounts during the winter months, testing enables you to remove the guesswork.
You can select a variety of nutrient or nitrate packages or single element tests from the lab. Check out their available tests at the links below. Additional tests can also be custom ordered; contact your local K-State Agriculture Agent for assistance.
Forage Sampling Procedures: Our office has a hay probe that can be borrowed.
Use the forage probe (on the end of a cordless drill) to take core samples out of the bales. After you’ve taken several samples, mix them together in a bucket. From the mixture, pull out enough hay to a quart sized bag, and send it to a testing lab.
