Lamoille County NRCD offers free soil sampling services for farms; in addition, we will cover lab fees for up to 10 standard soil tests! We are also available to assist with interpreting results and applying the information to your farm operation.

What can a soil test tell you? A standard soil test is required every three years for farms with a Nutrient Management Plant (NMP). The standard soil test provides information on pH, macro- and micronutrients, and soil organic matter. Soil pH influences nutrient availability; often, raising or lowering soil pH is the first step to improving crop health.  Amendments may be recommended for certain nutrients based on crop needs. Soil Organic Matter influences nutrient availability, soil structure, and water-holding capacity, and can be increased by certain management strategies.

A soil health test measures the various indicators of soil health that are most influenced by management. Permanganate Oxidizable Carbon (POXC) measures the amount of organic matter that supports microbial activity; ACE protein measures soil protein, which is a source of plant-available nitrogen; total carbon and nitrogen measures the pools of active and inactive carbon and nitrogen; wet aggregate stability measures soil structure by how readily aggregates break down when exposed to forces such as heavy rainfall or tillage; and soil respiration measures biological activity. Soil health tests can provide valuable information for management decisions.

Whether you need a soil test for your NMP, are seeking information to improve soil and crop health, or are making a management change, we are here to help! Reach out to emily.lugthart@lamoillenrcd.org or sarah.skelding@lamoillenrcd.org to schedule a visit.