Правила відбору проб ґрунту за країнами

Довідка щодо відбору проб ґрунту

Правила та рекомендації щодо відбору проб ґрунту за країнами

Як часто проводити тестування, скільки гектарів може охоплювати один зразок, яку схему, яка глибина та скільки кернів, згідно із законом або офіційними рекомендаціями кожної країни, з офіційним текстом за кожним значенням.

✓Офіційне формулювання кожного значення ✓Закон та керівництво розділені ✓Джерела перевіряються повторно кожні два місяці
План відбору проб ґрунту на основі зон у GeoPard: поле розділене на зони управління, пронумеровані точки відбору проб та пішохідний маршрут між ними.

Зональний план вибірки в GeoPard: пронумеровані точки та маршрут між ними.

Вимоги до відбору проб ґрунту за країнами

Правила відрізняються залежно від країни, регіону, поживних речовин та сільськогосподарської діяльності. Закон, умова програми та агрономічна рекомендація – це не одне й те саме.

Обов'язкове
Стосується кожної ферми, що охоплюється сферою застосування.
Умовний
Застосовується після виконання умови: програма поживних речовин, норма поголів'я, внесення.
Офіційні рекомендації
Поради від державного органу. Не закон.
Не вказано
Джерело не встановлює значення для цього стовпця.

Soil sampling rules by country and purpose, with the status and official source of each
Country / region Purpose / programme Time / frequency Area per sample Method Depth Cores Status and source
Argentina Exact wording for Argentina
ArgentinaWritten for the Pampas region (región pampeana) by INTA Anguil and the National University of La Pampa.Soil nitrate test before nitrogen fertilisingINTA Anguil and UNLPam, keys to soil sampling for nitrate analysis
  • Result valid Sample no more than 15 days before fertilising, with no heavy rain in between
  • Repeat Every time a crop nutrition strategy is planned
Not specifiedOne sample per sector of different apparent productivity (for example hilltop, mid-slope and low ground).Winter crops 0 to 40 cm, summer crops 0 to 60 cm, in separate layers (for example every 20 cm) that are never mixed.10 to 15 subsamples per sampleOfficial guidanceINTA repository, Claves para la toma de muestras de suelos para el análisis de N-Nitratos (PDF, 2021)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice from INTA, the national agricultural technology institute, with the public National University of La Pampa, for nitrate tests before fertilising. Not law.
Field identifiers
Each bag labelled with the farm name, the management unit or lot, and the sampling depth.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Iturri, Kloster and Díaz-Zorita, Claves para la toma de muestras de suelos para el análisis de N-Nitratos, Notas Agrícolas Pampeanas 2021 No. 3 (INTA repository)

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

ArgentinaSoil sample for fertility analysisMinistry of Agriculture (MAGyP), Cerrando Brechas Productivas, soil sampling instructionsNot specifiedOne composite per 5 to 10 ha (at least 10 subsamples), or per 15 to 20 ha (20 subsamples), on uniform groundSeparate homogeneous zones and sample each. Zigzag, diagonals or simple random.Generally 0 to 20 cm, as one layer or split into 0 to 10 and 10 to 20 cm. Fruit crops in 15 to 20 cm steps to 100 to 150 cm, at the adviser’s discretion.At least 10 subsamples per 5 to 10 ha; 20 subsamples per 15 to 20 haOfficial guidanceMAGyP, Instrucciones para toma de muestra de suelo (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Sampling instructions from the national agriculture authority (now the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries), written for its wheat yield-gap programme. Not law.
Field identifiers
Label with the lot history (previous crop, fertiliser and rate) and the field location.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Pesca, Instrucciones para toma de muestra de suelo (Cerrando Brechas Productivas)

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

Australia Exact wording for Australia
QueenslandAustraliaQueensland only, and only sugarcane grown commercially in the Great Barrier Reef catchment.Soil test for the nitrogen and phosphorus rate (organic carbon, P, P buffer index)Reef protection regulations, Agricultural ERA standard for sugarcane cultivation
  • Result valid Sampled and tested within the 12 months before fertiliser is applied to the first crop of a crop cycle
  • Wait At least 6 months after fertiliser or ameliorants on the area sampled
Not specifiedOne representative block of average productivity for each group of plant blocks with the same soil type and the same management. Separate samples for blocks with and without past mill by-product applications. Where rates vary within a block, at least 20 cores per soil type, each soil type its own composite.0 to 20 cm, cores from the shoulder of the cane rowAt least 20 cores per composite for a representative block or area under 15 ha. At least 40 cores over 15 ha.ConditionalEnvironmental Protection Regulation 2019 (Qld), section 24 and schedule 7
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Anyone growing sugarcane on a commercial basis in the Great Barrier Reef catchment, before fertiliser goes on a new plant cane crop (or a new crop cycle when the plant crop gets none). In force from 1 December 2019 in the Wet Tropics, Burdekin and Mackay Whitsunday regions, and from 1 December 2022 in the Fitzroy and Burnett Mary regions. Where new cane land needs an environmental authority, from the day that authority starts.
Laboratory and analysis
NATA or ASPAC accredited laboratory, or equivalent certification. Organic carbon (Walkley Black, method 6A1), BSES extractable P (9G2 or 9G1), P buffer index (9I2), and pH (1:5 water, 4A1) where Colwell P (9B1 or 9B2) is used.
Field identifiers
Records, made within 3 business days and kept at least 6 years: date of soil testing, the location and dominant soil type sampled, a map of the block or management zone boundaries sampled, and a soil map of the dominant soil types there.
In force from
1 December 2019
Legal text
Environmental Protection Regulation 2019 (Qld), section 24 and schedule 7; Agricultural ERA standard for sugarcane cultivation, version 2; Prescribed methodology for sugarcane cultivation, version 2, Standard condition SC6; Prescribed methodology Part A
South AustraliaAustraliaSouth Australia only, written for Kangaroo Island. Advice from the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board, a regional landscape board established under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019; no statewide PIRSA sampling page was found.Soil sample for chemical analysisKangaroo Island Landscape Board, How to take a soil sample for chemical analysis
  • Season Late summer or early autumn before fertiliser, or pre-sowing. Same time each cycle.
  • Wait Not after recent fertiliser, compost or manure
Not specifiedZones by soil type, crop history, yield or problem areas; cores in a zigzag across each zone.0 to 10 cm for standard tests (0 to 5 cm also offered), the same at every site. For subsoil acidity, salinity or sodicity, by soil horizon (for example 0 to 10, 10 to 30, 30 to 60 cm), each layer its own composite.15 to 20 cores per sampling zoneOfficial guidanceKangaroo Island Landscape Board, How to take a soil sample for chemical analysis
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice from the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board, a South Australian statutory regional landscape board, for paddock soil tests. Not law.
Field identifiers
Label paddock name, depth, date and sample ID; record GPS location, depth and date.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Kangaroo Island Landscape Board, How to take a soil sample for chemical analysis (fact sheet 2025)

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

TasmaniaAustraliaTasmania advice only. Other states publish their own.Routine soil fertility samplingNRE Tasmania, Soil Sampling Procedure
  • Season Same time every year, preferably when soil moisture will be the same; usually spring or late winter
Not specifiedA zigzag across the paddock, a circle around it, or random cores in a small typical area. To return to the same places, a defined transect across every paddock, marked by GPS and painted fence posts. Large areas with different characteristics sampled separately.Cropping 0 to 150 mm, kept during pasture rotations. Pasture 0 to 75 mm.At least 50 cores for a standard paddock of about 20 ha, more as paddocks grow (at least 100 for 80 ha)Official guidanceNRE Tasmania, Soil Sampling Procedure
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice from the Tasmanian state department for paddock soil tests. Not law.
Laboratory and analysis
A laboratory accredited for the tests wanted, with NATA or ASPAC accreditation (or both).
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, Soil Sampling Procedure (last published 21 June 2021)

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

Belgium Exact wording for Belgium
FlandersBelgiumFlanders only. Wallonia and Brussels have their own rules.Phosphate class for the phosphate fertilisation normMestdecreet, phosphate classes (fosfaatklassen I to IV)
  • Result valid At most 5 years old when sent to the Mestbank. The class lapses on 1 January of the sixth year after the analysis.
Not specifiedOne soil sample per parcel, taken by an approved laboratory chosen through the Mestbank portal. For analyses from 2017 on, only samplings notified to the Mestbank in advance count.Not specifiedNot specifiedConditionalMestdecreet, consolidated text (Justel, Belgian Official Journal)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Parcels whose farmer wants a phosphate class below the default class IV, so as to apply more phosphate. The parcel must be in that year’s single application (verzamelaanvraag).
Outside the rule
Without an analysis the parcel stays in class IV, except parcels of at most 0.5 ha in area type 0 or 1 and at most 0.3 ha in area type 2 or 3, which default to class III.
Laboratory and analysis
An approved laboratory (art. 61 § 7), commissioned by the Mestbank or the farmer. Plant-available phosphate (P-AL), mg P per 100 g air-dry soil.
Field identifiers
The analysis must state the X-Y coordinates of the parcel analysed.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Mestdecreet (Decreet van 22 december 2006), as amended, Art. 13, § 3

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

FlandersBelgiumFlanders only. Wallonia and Brussels have their own rules.Autumn nitrate residue, farm evaluationMestdecreet, nitrate residue farm evaluation (bedrijfsevaluatie), seventh manure action programme (MAP 7)
  • Season From 2026, 1 October to 30 November. The consolidated decree definition still reads 1 October to 15 November.
From 2026: one subsample per 5 ha (previously one per 2 ha)From 2026, stratified sampling: the parcel is split into zones (strata) with one random point in each.0 to 90 cmFrom 2026: 40 sampling points per subsample (previously 15)ConditionalMestdecreet, consolidated text (Justel, Belgian Official Journal)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Farms the Mestbank orders to carry out a farm evaluation, and farms that sign up by 31 May. A farm evaluation covers at least three parcels, at least one parcel for each nitrate residue type on the farm that year, and at least as many determinations as the square root of the farm hectares. The consolidated decree text still also requires a farm evaluation in the year after a measured exceedance (art. 15, paragraph 3); VLM says that duty ended with MAP 7. Until that is settled, treat an exceedance as a possible trigger.
Outside the rule
According to VLM, the former standard duty (after an exceedance, or one parcel a year for exempted farms) has been dropped since MAP 7 (2025).
Laboratory and analysis
An approved laboratory, commissioned by and at the cost of the farmer. Results in kg nitrate N per ha, by the methods book of art. 61 § 8.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Mestdecreet (Decreet van 22 december 2006 houdende de bescherming van water tegen de verontreiniging door nitraten uit agrarische bronnen), as amended, Art. 3 (definition of nitraatresidu) and art. 15
Brazil Exact wording for Brazil
BrazilSoil sample for lime and fertiliser recommendationsEmbrapa, Amostragem de solo para recomendação de calagem e adubação
  • Season Annual crops: end of the rainy season, ahead of the next planting. Perennial crops in production: just after harvest, before the next fertilising.
  • Wait Where crop nutrition is monitored: 30 days after the last fertiliser, 15 days after fertigation
  • Repeat Where crop nutrition is monitored: every year, sometimes twice a year, alongside leaf analysis
Homogeneous plots (talhões) of at most 10 ha, one composite eachSplit the area into homogeneous plots by soil colour, relief, texture, drainage, erosion, vegetation or previous crop, cropping, liming and fertiliser history, management and yield; walk each plot at random in a zigzag.0 to 20 cm for conventional tillage, perennial crops, and no-till fertilised in the row up to the 6th consecutive crop. 0 to 10 cm for no-till after the 6th crop, established pasture and undisturbed natural grassland. 20 to 40 and 40 to 60 cm before the first planting, to find barriers.At least 10 points per homogeneous plot, ideally about 20Official guidanceEmbrapa, Amostragem de Solo para Recomendação de Calagem e Adubação (PDF folder, 2009)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice from Embrapa, the federal agricultural research corporation, for lime and fertiliser recommendations. Not law.
Field identifiers
Label each sample with date, place and depth of collection.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Embrapa Mandioca e Fruticultura Tropical, Amostragem de Solo para Recomendação de Calagem e Adubação (folder, June 2009)

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

Canada Exact wording for Canada
AlbertaCanadaAlberta only. Other provinces have their own rules.Soil test before applying manure, organic materials or compostAgricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA): nutrient management
  • Result valid Soil test no older than 3 years when manure, organic materials or compost is applied
Not specifiedSampling and testing follow the most recent edition of the Manual on Soil Sampling and Methods of Analysis (Canadian Society of Soil Science).Nitrate-N 0 to 60 cm. Salinity (EC) 0 to 15 cm. Texture once, at 0 to 15 cm and 15 to 30 cm.Not specifiedConditionalAlta Reg 267/2001, office consolidation (Alberta King’s Printer)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Anyone applying a total of 500 tonnes or more of manure, organic materials or compost a year: the receiving soil must have been tested within the previous 3 years.
Outside the rule
People applying less than 500 tonnes a year in total. An approval officer or inspector may instead permit application under a nutrient management plan they approve as giving equal or greater protection to water and soil.
Laboratory and analysis
Standard laboratory procedures. Tests must include extractable nitrate-N, salinity by electrical conductivity and a one-time soil texture.
Field identifiers
Records kept for 5 years: legal land description and soil test results by the area receiving the material.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Standards and Administration Regulation, Alta Reg 267/2001, under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (consolidated to Alta Reg 146/2025, current as of June 23, 2025), Sections 25 and 28(5), Schedule 3

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

AlbertaCanadaAlberta only. Other provinces have their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingAlberta Agriculture soil sampling advice
  • Repeat Ideally every field every year; sampling every other year, with estimates between, is an alternative
  • Season Spring-sown annual crops: early spring once the soil has thawed, or the previous fall once soil is below 5 to 7 degrees C. Established perennials: each spring before active growth.
One random composite sample suits fields under 30 ha (80 acres) that have been uniformly cropped and have little natural variationRandom composite, directed random by management zone, benchmark, landscape-directed benchmark or grid sampling.Each core split 0 to 15, 15 to 30 and 30 to 60 cm. N and S from 0 to 60 cm, P and K from 0 to 15 cm.15 to 20 cores per bulk sampleOfficial guidanceAlberta Agriculture, Chapter 3.3 Soil Sampling (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Alberta farms from the provincial agriculture department. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Alberta Agriculture, Chapter 3.3 Soil Sampling (nutrient management planning publication, PDF dated 2008)

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

British ColumbiaCanadaBritish Columbia only. Other provinces have their own rules.Soil phosphorus testCode of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management
  • Repeat At least once every 3 years
Not specifiedA representative sample.Not specifiedNot specifiedConditionalB.C. Reg. 8/2019, Code of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management (BC Laws)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Anyone who applies nutrient sources to land for an agricultural operation on a land base not zoned for residential purposes. Nutrient sources include commercial fertilizers, agricultural by-products such as manure, compost and other listed materials. The soil in each field is tested.
Outside the rule
Operations with an agricultural land base under 2 ha, crops intentionally flooded for harvest, and peat or muck soils.
Laboratory and analysis
Available P. Results by any method other than the Kelowna method are converted to their Kelowna equivalent.
Field identifiers
Records for each field: its location and size, and the soil test results (land bases of 2 ha or more).
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Code of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management, B.C. Reg. 8/2019, under the Environmental Management Act (consolidation current to October 27, 2026), Sections 51(2), 53 and 55

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

British ColumbiaCanadaBritish Columbia only. Other provinces have their own rules.Post-harvest soil nitrate testCode of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management
  • Repeat At least once every 3 years; again the following year when the result is 100 kg N/ha or more
  • Season For a post-harvest nitrate test: after the last harvest of the growing season, before the autumn rains typically begin
Not specifiedA representative sample, or an equivalent test that gives representative results.Not specifiedNot specifiedConditionalB.C. Reg. 8/2019, Code of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management (BC Laws)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Anyone who applies nutrient sources to land for an agricultural operation on a land base not zoned for residential purposes. Nutrient sources include commercial fertilizers, agricultural by-products such as manure, compost and other listed materials. The soil in each field is tested.
Outside the rule
Operations with an agricultural land base under 2 ha, crops intentionally flooded for harvest, and peat or muck soils.
Laboratory and analysis
A post-harvest nitrate test, or an equivalent test, measuring nitrate-N left in the soil by the last crop.
Field identifiers
Records for each field: its location and size, and the soil test results (land bases of 2 ha or more).
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Code of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management, B.C. Reg. 8/2019, under the Environmental Management Act (consolidation current to October 27, 2026), Sections 51(2), 53 and 54

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

British ColumbiaCanadaBritish Columbia only. Other provinces have their own rules.Basic soil fertility test (pH, P, K)BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food soil sampling advice
  • Repeat Every 1 to 3 years
  • Season Before planting or before the spring growing season; fall where spring sampling is not practical
Sampling zones of up to 10 ha (25 acres)Composite sample from each sampling zone of uniform soils, cropping and management; random locations across the zone.Surface to 15 cm (6 inches)15 to 20 samples at random locations for most field crops; 30 to 40 where band locations are unknownOfficial guidancegov.bc.ca, Soil sampling guidelines
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for British Columbia farms from the provincial agriculture ministry. Not law.
Field identifiers
A unique name or number for each sampling zone, kept with past results.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Government of British Columbia, Soil nutrient testing: soil sampling guidelines, timing and depth, methods and tools

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

British ColumbiaCanadaBritish Columbia only. Other provinces have their own rules.Post-harvest nitrate test samplingBC Ministry of Agriculture and Food post-harvest nitrate test advice
  • Season After harvest, before 75 mm (coarser soils: sand, loamy sand, sandy loam) or 125 mm (finer soils: loam, clay loam, clay) of cumulative precipitation counted from September 1. Late samples go to 60 cm.
Not specifiedComposite sample from each sampling zone. Nitrate zones have no size limit where soils, cropping and management do not differ.0 to 30 cm (12 inches). 0 to 60 cm (24 inches) when the 30 cm date is missed.15 to 20 samples at random locations for most field crops; 30 to 40 where band locations are unknownOfficial guidancegov.bc.ca, Sample timing and depth
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for British Columbia farms from the provincial agriculture ministry, for the post-harvest nitrate test the Code requires. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Government of British Columbia, Soil nutrient testing: sample timing and depth, methods and tools

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

ManitobaCanadaManitoba only. Other provinces have their own rules.Soil nutrient analysis for a manure management planLivestock Manure and Mortalities Management Regulation: manure management plansNot specifiedNot specifiedFor the residual nitrate limits, sampling follows guidelines published or approved by the Manitoba Department of Agriculture.The director may refuse a plan whose soil nutrient analysis reports rest on samples taken to less than 0.6 m (2 feet). Soil test phosphorus is read in the top 0.15 m (6 inches).Not specifiedConditionalM.R. 42/98, consolidated text current from 12 December 2025
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Operators of agricultural operations with 300 animal units or more, and smaller operations the director notifies in writing. A manure management plan is submitted for registration before manure is applied for each growing season, and the director may refuse a plan whose soil nutrient analysis reports do not meet the depth and method rules.
Outside the rule
Operations under 300 animal units, unless they expand to 300 or more, or the director notifies the operator in writing that the plan rule applies.
Laboratory and analysis
The director may refuse a plan whose soil nutrient analysis reports do not rest on analytical procedures acceptable to the director. Soil test phosphorus by the Olsen (sodium bicarbonate) procedure.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Livestock Manure and Mortalities Management Regulation, M.R. 42/98, under The Environment Act (last amendment M.R. 115/2025), Sections 12(1.4.1), 12.1 and 13
ManitobaCanadaManitoba only. Other provinces have their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingManitoba Soil Fertility Guide advice
  • Repeat Every field sampled and tested every year
  • Season Before seeding in spring, or the preceding fall after soils cool
Not specifiedComposite random sampling, benchmark sampling, grid sampling or landscape directed (zone) sampling.Full 24 inches (60.96 cm) for nitrate and sulphate. P, K and micronutrients in the top 6 inches (15.24 cm).15 to 20 cores per field composite sample (traditional random sampling)Official guidanceManitoba Agriculture, Soil Fertility Guide, Fertilizer Recommendation Guidelines
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Manitoba farms from the provincial agriculture department. Not law.
Laboratory and analysis
Nitrate-N and sulphate-S to 24 inches, Olsen (sodium bicarbonate) P and ammonium acetate K in the top 6 inches.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Manitoba Agriculture, Soil Fertility Guide, Fertilizer Recommendation Guidelines

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

Newfoundland and LabradorCanadaNewfoundland and Labrador only. Other provinces have their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingProvincial Soil, Plant and Feed Laboratory sampling advice
  • Repeat Every year for a field in rotation; every 2 years when growing the same crop
  • Season Any time; fall sampling returns results in time for the next planting, early fall for fall liming
One sample per 5 haWalk a W pattern across each uniform field; sample different areas separately.20 cm; 6 cm for sod crops (depths given in the shovel directions).10 individual samples per field of 5 ha or lessOfficial guidanceGovernment of Newfoundland and Labrador, Soil Sampling Guide (PDF, June 2025)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Newfoundland and Labrador farms from the provincial agriculture department and its soil laboratory. Not law.
Field identifiers
A number for each field, the same as in previous soil test submissions.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, Soil Sampling Guide (GUIDE_ST 25/05)

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

Nova ScotiaCanadaNova Scotia only. Other provinces have their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingPerennia soil sampling advice
  • Repeat Every 2 to 3 years for most crops
  • Season Any time of year, at the same time each year; often in fall right after harvest
Not specifiedOne composite per field or sampling block, cores on a zig-zag. Grid sampling for a more detailed picture.15 cm in a ploughed field, 8 cm in pasture. Other depths may be used for some crops or sampling goals.At least 15 to 20 samples per fieldOfficial guidancePerennia, How to Take a Soil Sample? (PDF, 2026)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Nova Scotia farms from the provincial agriculture development agency. Not law.
Laboratory and analysis
For fertility, at minimum pH, macronutrients, micronutrients, base saturation, cation exchange capacity and organic matter.
Field identifiers
A unique ID for each field or block, kept on a farm map as a record.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation, How to Take a Soil Sample? (fact sheet, 2026)

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

OntarioCanadaOntario only. Other provinces have their own rules.Soil test for a nutrient management planNutrient Management Act, 2002: nutrient management plans for land receiving manure or anaerobic digestion output
  • Repeat A sample while preparing each plan after the first. A plan ceases to be in force on its fifth anniversary, so at least once in each 5 year period.
  • Result valid P and pH tested within the 5 years before nutrients are applied
Normally at most 10 ha (25 acres) per sample. Up to 20 ha (50 acres) may be permitted where there is evidence that nutrient content is uniform (within 15 percent of the mean) and management is uniform.Representative composite from each field or section. Zig-zag traverse with random cores; separate samples for parts that differ markedly.About 15 cm (6 inches), the depth normally tilled, also where no tillage is used. Soil nitrate samples 30 cm (12 inches).At least 20 sub-samples under 5 ha (12.5 acres), plus at least 2 more for each additional hectare.ConditionalO. Reg. 267/03, General (e-Laws consolidation from April 1, 2024)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Anyone required to have a nutrient management plan for an operation that applies manure or anaerobic digestion output to land. A sample from each field, or each part of the land the plan deals with separately, is collected while preparing the plan.
Outside the rule
For the first plan of an operation, set default soil concentrations (101 mg/L P, 251 mg/L K) may be used instead of a sample.
Laboratory and analysis
A laboratory accredited for that purpose by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (the name in the regulation). Soil pH, buffer pH when pH is below 6.0, sodium bicarbonate P and ammonium acetate K.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
O. Reg. 267/03 (General) under the Nutrient Management Act, 2002, with the Sampling and Analysis Protocol (version July 1, 2021) it incorporates, Section 91; Sampling and Analysis Protocol sections 1.3.1.1 and 2.1
OntarioCanadaOntario only. Other provinces have their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingOMAFA soil sampling and analysis advice
  • Repeat Once every 3 years is adequate for most farms; more often on coarse soils or high potassium removal crops
At most 10 ha (25 acres) per sampleRandom cores on a zig-zag across uniform sampling areas. Precision, site specific or grid sampling allowed, not required.About 15 cm (6 inches) for nutrients, unchanged under no-till. Nitrate 30 cm (1 ft). Under no-till with surface-applied nitrogen, a separate 5 cm (2 inches) sample checks surface pH only, not nutrients.At least 20 cores, plus one per 0.4 ha (1 acre) in fields over 8 ha (20 acres)Official guidanceOntario.ca, Soil sampling and analysis: managing crop nutrients
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Ontario farms from the provincial agriculture ministry. Not law.
Laboratory and analysis
For a nutrient management plan, an OMAFA-accredited lab using OMAFA-accredited tests.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, Soil sampling and analysis: managing crop nutrients

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

SaskatchewanCanadaSaskatchewan only. Other provinces have their own rules.Fall soil testing for next season fertilitySaskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture crops extension advice
  • Season Fall, once soil temperature is below 10 degrees C
Not specifiedCores from several locations in each management zone; unusual areas avoided or sampled separately.To a depth of 6 to 12 inches (15.24 to 30.48 cm)Typically 15 to 20 cores per management zoneOfficial guidancesaskatchewan.ca, Sask Ag Now: Soil Testing for this Fall
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Saskatchewan farms from the provincial agriculture ministry. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, Sask Ag Now: Soil Testing for this Fall (September 2026)

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Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

Denmark Exact wording for Denmark
DenmarkSoil P numbers (Olsen P) to raise the phosphorus ceilingFertiliser use rules for farm businesses, raised phosphorus ceiling for low P numbers (planning period 2026/2027)
  • Result valid No more than 5 years old at the start of the planning period in which the ceiling is raised
  • Season The farm average uses the latest sampling on each field, taken by 31 July in the current planning period
At least one soil sample per started 5 ha of harmony area on JB 1 to 10, and at least one per fieldNot specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedConditionalBEK nr 655 af 08/07/2026, amending order (Lovtidende A, PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Farm businesses that want to raise their phosphorus ceiling because the average P number (Pt) on their harmony area on soil types JB 1 to 10 is below 4.0. P numbers must exist for all of that area.
Outside the rule
Fields on soil types JB 11 and 12 are outside the sample count; the raise is scaled down by their share of the harmony area.
Laboratory and analysis
A laboratory with a quality management system to EN ISO/IEC 17025 or an equivalent international standard. Phosphorus by the Olsen P method.
Field identifiers
Sampling positions drawn on a field map, with an unambiguous link between each position and the result on the certificate. Both shown on request at inspection.
In force from
1 August 2026
Legal text
BEK nr 931 af 16/07/2024 om jordbrugsvirksomheders anvendelse af gødning, as amended by BEK nr 655 af 08/07/2026, § 20 e (planning period 2026/2027; § 19 for earlier periods)
France Exact wording for France
FranceNational rule for nitrate vulnerable zones. Each regional action programme sets the sampling protocol.Annual soil nitrogen or organic matter analysisNitrates Directive national action programme (programme d’actions national), vulnerable zones
  • Repeat Every cropping season, at least one analysis
Not specifiedAt least one field (îlot cultural) for one of the three main crops grown in the vulnerable zone. The regional prefectoral order sets the protocol, including minimum depths and the number of horizons by soil type.Not specifiedNot specifiedConditionalArrêté du 19 décembre 2011, programme d’actions national (Légifrance, version in force 30 October 2026)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Anyone farming more than 3 ha in a nitrate vulnerable zone.
Outside the rule
The regional order may let a manure analysis replace the soil analysis, or, on soils unsuited to residue sampling, an estimator (model or tool) for the soil nitrogen stock.
Laboratory and analysis
One of: nitrogen residue at the end of winter, after harvest or at the start of winter; organic matter content; or total nitrogen in the cultivated horizons, as the regional order specifies. An end-of-winter residue result must be used in the planned rate.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Arrêté du 19 décembre 2011 relatif au programme d’actions national à mettre en oeuvre dans les zones vulnérables, as amended, Annex I, III, 1°, soil nitrogen supply (reliquat d’azote minéral)
Germany Exact wording for Germany
GermanyFederal rule. Each federal state sets the sampling protocol.Phosphate soil analysis before fertilisingDüngeverordnung (DüV), Fertiliser Ordinance
  • Repeat At least every 6 years, per field of 1 ha or more
Not specifiedRepresentative soil samples. Sampling and analysis follow the protocol of the competent body in each federal state.Not specifiedNot specifiedConditionalDüV § 4
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Farm operators, for every field (Schlag) of 1 ha or more, before substantial nutrient quantities are applied: more than 50 kg N or 30 kg P2O5 per hectare and year.
Outside the rule
Grazing-only land with up to 100 kg N/ha a year from livestock manure and no extra N fertiliser (§ 10(3) No. 2).
Laboratory and analysis
As required by the competent body under federal state law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Düngeverordnung 2017, last amended 11 December 2024, § 4(4) sentence 1 No. 2

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Ireland Exact wording for Ireland
IrelandSoil test for the phosphorus indexNitrates regulations, Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters
  • Result valid Under 4 years for P (Index 4 results excepted). 12 years for organic matter.
  • Wait P test: 3 months after the last P fertiliser, chemical or organic
  • Wait pH test: 2 years after ground limestone
4 ha per sample. Up to 5 ha where soil types and cropping were similar for the previous five years.The sampling pattern set out in Schedule 1. Separate samples where soil type, cropping history, slope, drainage or yields differ.0 to 10 cm20 cores per sampleConditionalS.I. No. 588/2025, Schedule 1 (as made)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
All arable land, and holdings with a grassland stocking rate of 130 kg N/ha or more before export of livestock manure: the previous year, or for new entrants and those changing stocking rate, the actual or projected current year. Until they test, these holdings are assumed to be at P Index 4.
Outside the rule
Other holdings may test; without a test their soil is deemed to be at P Index 3.
Laboratory and analysis
A laboratory that meets the requirements of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. P Index by the Morgan extractable P test; organic matter by loss on ignition; pH in a 1:2 soil:water suspension.
Field identifiers
Results issued after 14 September 2025 must state the georeference or LPIS parcel number of every field or parcel the sample represents.
In force from
1 January 2026
Legal text
S.I. No. 588/2025, as amended by S.I. No. 119/2026, Schedule 1 and Article 17(4)

Sources

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IrelandRoutine soil fertility samplingTeagasc sampling advice
  • Result valid Base fertiliser advice on tests for 4 to 5 years
  • Season September to March
  • Wait 3 to 6 months after P and K. 2 years after lime.
One sample every 2 to 4 haDivide fields by soil type, cropping history and known growth differences or previous performance.0 to 10 cmAt least 20 cores per sampleOfficial guidanceTeagasc, Soil sampling FAQ
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Irish farms from the state agriculture and food development authority. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Teagasc, Soil sampling FAQ

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Italy Exact wording for Italy
Piedmont (Piemonte)ItalyPiedmont only, and only for farms in integrated production. Each Italian region sets its own rules.Soil analysis for the fertilisation plan in integrated productionIntegrated production standards (Disciplinari di produzione integrata 2026): CAP intervention SRA01 ACA1 and the national integrated production quality scheme (SQNPI)
  • Result valid 5 years for variable parameters. No limit for texture, total carbonate and pH (unless the pH is corrected).
  • Season Field crops: the days after harvest
  • Wait Field crops: or at least 2 months after the last fertiliser
Generally one sample per 1 ha field, extended or reduced with the uniformity of soil and cropping. At least one per cropping system.Up to 20 sampling points by field size, along the diagonals or at random. More samples where agricultural landscape units differ in soil or management.Field crops about 30 cm, after removing the top 5 cm. Tree crops: advised to take topsoil (to about 30 cm) and subsoil (to about 60 cm) as separate samples.Not specifiedConditionalRegione Piemonte, DPI 2026, Allegato I Fertilizzazione (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Farms in Piedmont that join integrated production under the CAP intervention SRA01 ACA1, the CAP sectoral interventions for integrated production, or the national integrated production quality scheme (SQNPI). Analyses must be in hand within 12 months of joining and stay valid for the whole commitment. At least one sample per cropping system on the farm.
Outside the rule
Land that receives no fertiliser, organic or synthetic, in the five years. Mixed farms entering their whole area may skip analysis on less than 3 ha of arable land, extensive vegetables and meadows, and less than 0.5 ha of other crops.
Laboratory and analysis
Texture, pH in water, total carbonate, organic matter, total N, C/N, CEC, Olsen P (Bray-Kurtz below pH 6.5), exchangeable K, Ca and Mg (Ca and Mg optional above pH 7). Texture and pH may be taken from soil maps of at least 1:50,000. Official Italian soil analysis methods (DM 13 September 1999) or internationally recognised methods.
Field identifiers
The report must give the cadastral reference or the geographic coordinates of the field sampled.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Regione Piemonte, Disciplinari di produzione integrata 2026, Allegato I Fertilizzazione, approved by Determinazione Dirigenziale n. 256 of 10 March 2026, Allegato I, Istruzioni per il campionamento dei terreni e l’interpretazione delle analisi
Kazakhstan Exact wording for Kazakhstan
KazakhstanState agrochemical survey of arable landAgrochemical survey of soils (агрохимическое обследование почв) by the state agrochemical service
  • Repeat Rainfed land every 7 years. Irrigated land, and farms using chemical ameliorants, every 5 years. State variety plots and experimental farms every 3 years. Owners and land users may ask for shorter intervals.
  • Season Non-irrigated fields with low mineral fertiliser use: throughout the growing season
  • Season Irrigated land with systematic mineral fertiliser use of up to 90 kg/ha of active ingredient: throughout the growing season
  • Wait Irrigated land with systematic mineral fertiliser use of more than 90 kg/ha of active ingredient: in spring before fertilising, or 2 months or more after it
  • Season Flood irrigation or flooded rice checks: before flooding, or after the water is drained and the crop is harvested
One composite sample per elementary plot. Elementary plot at most 75 ha, or at most 10 ha on irrigated land.A grid of elementary plots. On rainfed land the grid follows the soil cover and the position in the relief. Sampling density, set by the plot size, follows the variability of the soil cover and the fertiliser rates.Plough layer 0 to 20 cm, taking the humus horizon into account20 to 25 point samples per composite sample, on all soil types. Each composite sample weighs at least 500 g.ConditionalRules for the agrochemical survey of soils, Order No. 4-1/147 (Adilet)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Arable land (пашня). The Rules set how the state agrochemical service surveys it: under annual plans at budget cost, or for a fee at the request of the owner or land user. Owners and land users must give access for the survey. The Rules were made under subparagraph 21) of Article 6(1) of the Law On State Regulation of the Agro-Industrial Complex, which Law No. 342-VIII of 8 July 2026 removed.
Outside the rule
Hay meadows and pastures sown with preliminary crops for up to three years after ploughing for improvement, and orchard inter-rows used for sowing, are not arable land under the Rules.
Laboratory and analysis
Analyses follow the state standards and methods in Annex 3 of the Rules, for example mobile P and K by Machigin (carbonate soils, GOST 26205-91) or Chirikov (non-carbonate soils, GOST 26204-91). The 2026 Law On Soil Protection assigns soil protection surveys to a republican state enterprise; agrochemical surveys may also be done by accredited laboratories. Results go into the agrochemical data bank.
Field identifiers
Each elementary plot gets a sequence number. On the base map, plot boundaries must match those of the previous survey, using satellite navigation coordinates.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Rules for the agrochemical survey of soils, Order of the Acting Minister of Agriculture No. 4-1/147 of 27 February 2015 (registered No. 10686); Law On Soil Protection No. 341-VIII of 8 July 2026; Law No. 342-VIII of 8 July 2026 (amending the Law On State Regulation of the Agro-Industrial Complex), Rules, paragraphs 1, 2, 6, 7 and 12 to 16, Annex 3; Law On Soil Protection, Articles 11 and 13; Law No. 342-VIII, Article 1(6)
Netherlands Exact wording for Netherlands
NetherlandsPhosphate class for the phosphate use normPhosphate differentiation (fosfaatdifferentiatie), laboratory’s own method
  • Result valid 4 years from the sampling date
  • Wait At least 2 months after liming
One composite per 5 ha at most. Adjoining parcels of up to 2.5 ha each may be combined up to 5 ha.The accredited sampling organisation’s own protocol, always based on the W, zig-zag or crosswise method.Grassland 0 to 10 cm. Arable land 0 to 25 cm.At least 40 cores per compositeConditionalUitvoeringsregeling Meststoffenwet, art. 103a and Bijlage L
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Parcels entered for phosphate differentiation, to claim a phosphate class other than high.
Outside the rule
Parcels not entered keep the standard class high norm. Sampling is the route to a different class, not a duty on every parcel.
Laboratory and analysis
Sampling and analysis by organisations accredited by the Dutch Accreditation Council to ISO/IEC 17025. P-CaCl2 and P-Al figures; PAL and Pw no longer accepted from 2025.
Field identifiers
The analysis report gives, for each parcel, its exact location fixed with GPS data and a diagram or drawing of where the samples were taken.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Uitvoeringsregeling Meststoffenwet, Article 103a and Annex L (Bijlage L)
NetherlandsPhosphate class for the phosphate use normPhosphate differentiation (fosfaatdifferentiatie), stratified random sample
  • Result valid 4 years from the sampling date
  • Wait At least 2 months after liming
Sampling units of at most 20 ha. Parcels cannot be combined.Stratified random sample: a computer splits the parcel into equal, compact blocks, one per sampling point, and picks one random point in each, located by GNSS.Grassland 0 to 10 cm. Arable land 0 to 25 cm.By unit size: 1 to 5 ha 25 points; 5 to 10 ha 29 on grassland, 28 on arable; 10 to 20 ha 33 on grassland, 32 on arable.ConditionalUitvoeringsregeling Meststoffenwet, art. 103a and Bijlage L
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Parcels entered for phosphate differentiation, to claim a phosphate class other than high.
Outside the rule
Parcels not entered keep the standard class high norm. Sampling is the route to a different class, not a duty on every parcel.
Laboratory and analysis
Sampling and analysis by organisations accredited by the Dutch Accreditation Council to ISO/IEC 17025. P-CaCl2 and P-Al figures; PAL and Pw no longer accepted from 2025.
Field identifiers
The analysis report gives, for each parcel, its exact location fixed with GPS data and a diagram or drawing of where the samples were taken.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Uitvoeringsregeling Meststoffenwet, Article 103a and Annex L (Bijlage L)
Poland Exact wording for Poland
PolandChemical soil analysis behind the fertilisation planCAP eco-scheme Carbon farming and nutrient management (Rolnictwo węglowe i zarządzanie składnikami odżywczymi), practice Fertilisation plan (Opracowanie i przestrzeganie planu nawożenia)Not specifiedNot specifiedSoil samples taken under the standard on sampling for agrochemical soil testing, from each agricultural parcel on arable land and permanent grassland.Not specifiedNot specifiedConditionalDz. U. 2023 poz. 493, text as published (Sejm ELI)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Farmers claiming eco-scheme points for the fertilisation plan practice, basic variant or variant with liming, on arable land and permanent grassland. The plan must exist within 25 days of the payment application deadline (30 September for winter crops sown that year). The liming variant needs soil pH of 5.5 or less in the chemical soil analysis.
Outside the rule
From 2026, peatland and wetland covered by GAEC 2 is not counted in the parcel area for the liming variant.
Laboratory and analysis
A laboratory that carries out agrochemical soil testing. The plan rests on a nitrogen balance and a chemical soil analysis.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Rozporządzenie Ministra Rolnictwa i Rozwoju Wsi z dnia 13 marca 2023 r. (Dz. U. 2023 poz. 493), as amended up to Dz. U. 2026 poz. 325, § 4 ust. 1 pkt 3 and § 7 ust. 2 to 4
PolandSoil sampling for agrochemical analysisChemical-agricultural station sampling instruction (SChR A 1)
  • Season Spring or autumn, before fertiliser is spread
  • Wait Avoid sampling straight after mineral or organic fertiliser, and in excessive drought or wet soil
One composite sample for at most 4 ha of uniform soil and similar terrain, separately for each cropUp to 20 primary samples along a set scheme, preferably at right angles to cultivation and fertilising passes. Not within 5 m of the field edge, on former stack or heap sites, in ditches, furrows, molehills or gravel patches, or in hollows and steep rises.0 to 20 cmNot specifiedOfficial guidanceKrajowa Stacja Chemiczno-Rolnicza, Instrukcje (attachment SChR A 1, .doc)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Sampling instruction from the national network of chemical-agricultural stations for arable land and grassland samples sent to a station. Not law.
Field identifiers
Number each sample on a field sketch with the area it represents; mark grassland samples with X.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Krajowa Stacja Chemiczno-Rolnicza, Instrukcja pobierania próbek glebowych (SChR A 1), based on PN-R-04031:1997

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Romania Exact wording for Romania
RomaniaAgrochemical soil study behind the fertilisation planNitrates Action Programme (Programul de acțiune pentru protecția apelor împotriva poluării cu nitrați proveniți din surse agricole)Not specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedConditionalOrdin nr. 333/165/2021, legislatie.just.ro (annexes published in Monitorul Oficial nr. 754 bis)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
The Action Programme binds every farmer in Romania. Farms with irrigated land must base the fertilisation plan for that land on agrochemical studies. Any other farm may go above the fixed mineral nitrogen caps only with a fertilisation plan based on agrochemical studies.
Outside the rule
Farms without an agrochemical study stay under fixed mineral nitrogen caps (for example 80 kg N/ha a year on permanent grassland) with a simplified fertilisation plan.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Ordinul MMAP nr. 333/2021 și MADR nr. 165/2021 (Monitorul Oficial nr. 754 din 3 august 2021), Annex 2, the Action Programme, Action Programme, art. 9(2) to 9(4) and art. 16(2) to 16(3)
RomaniaAgrochemical soil study: frequency, area and depthCode of Good Agricultural Practice (Codul de bune practici agricole), voluntary since 2021
  • Repeat Soil analyses at least every 4 years. Study every 4 to 5 years for rainfed field crops, 2 to 3 years for irrigated crops.
Arable land 2 to 5 ha per composite sample; at most 5 ha per sample in the general recommendation. Grassland and hay meadows 5 to 10 ha; irrigated land 0.25 to 2 ha; orchards and vineyards 0.5 to 2 ha; eroded land at most 2 ha.Composite samples from uniform areas; never mix organically fertilised and unfertilised areas, or different crops, in one sample. Results drawn up as maps (cartograms) of pH, P and K.Arable 0 to 20 cm. Grassland and hay meadows 0 to 10 cm. Orchards and vineyards 0 to 20 and 20 to 40 cm.Not specifiedOfficial guidanceMinistry of Environment, Water and Forests, Codul de bune practici agricole (PDF), chapter 6 and Annex 11
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Recommendations in the Code of Good Agricultural Practice, which became voluntary for farmers in 2021. Not mandatory.
Laboratory and analysis
Usual analyses: pH, and as needed hydrolytic acidity, exchangeable bases and sodium, humus, mobile P (PAl) and mobile K (KAl).
Field identifiers
Number every sample and identify it on the physical block it came from.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Codul de bune practici agricole pentru protecţia apelor împotriva poluării cu nitraţi proveniți din surse agricole (Annex 1 to Ordin 333/165/2021), Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and ICPA Bucharest

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Spain Exact wording for Spain
SpainSoil data for the fertilisation plan (pH, P, K, organic matter)Sustainable nutrition of agricultural soils, plan de abonado and farm record book
  • Repeat At least every 5 years on irrigated land and every 10 years on rainfed land, where no provincial map or register supplies the data
Not specifiedParcels of similar characteristics grouped in one crop sheet may be analysed through a single representative parcel.P2O5, K2O and organic matter in the top 30 cmNot specifiedConditionalReal Decreto 1311/2012, Annex III (consolidated, BOE)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Farm holders who must keep the fertilisation section of the farm record book (cuaderno de explotación), and every production unit that needs a fertilisation plan (plan de abonado) from 1 September 2026 (1 January 2026 for irrigated units sown or planted between 1 March and 30 June 2026). Both carry the soil data of RD 1311/2012 Annex III, A.3, per parcel or for one representative parcel per crop sheet. The soil data become obligatory one year after the Ministry publishes its soil sampling and analysis guides, except where sewage sludge is applied.
Outside the rule
Holdings outside the fertilisation record: 5 ha or less of permanent crops and arable land with 1 ha or less irrigated, and holdings with only pasture that receives no fertiliser. Production units with no fertilisation plan duty: unfertilised pasture, and units up to 10 ha that are rainfed or only pasture or forage for own use. No analysis is needed where parcels cannot be grouped into a crop sheet of at least 5 ha and the production unit is 20 ha at most. Analysis is only required where no provincial map or register supplies the data.
Laboratory and analysis
Minimum data: pH, available P2O5, available K2O and organic matter. Methods of Annex XII of RD 1051/2022, or methods that give equivalent results.
Field identifiers
The plan must identify every parcel (recinto) in the production unit unambiguously.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Real Decreto 1051/2022, with Real Decreto 1311/2012 Annex III as amended, RD 1051/2022 art. 4.2 and 6.2; RD 1311/2012 Annex III, Part I, A.3

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SpainSoil sampling for fertiliser adviceMinistry of Agriculture practical guide to rational fertilisation
  • Season After harvest and always before applying fertiliser or soil amendment. For nitrogen, ideally before sowing and again early in crop development.
Not specifiedDivide the field into uniform areas by colour, position, depth and crop growth, each one an area that can be fertilised separately. Sample each separately.Grassland and no-till 0 to 15 cm. Arable crops the plough layer, 25 to 30 cm. Tree and vine crops 0 to 40 cm in most cases; new plantings or calcareous soils two samples, to 30 cm and 30 to 60 cm. Nitrate about 50 cm.At least 10 to 12 sub-samples per composite, about 500 g in totalOfficial guidanceMAPA, Guía práctica de la fertilización racional de los cultivos en España, Part I (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Not law, and not the sampling guide that RD 1051/2022 announces.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
MAPA, Guía práctica de la fertilización racional de los cultivos en España, Part I (2010)

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Ukraine Exact wording for Ukraine
UkraineSoil sampling on farmland cleared of explosive ordnanceSoil sampling on agricultural land cleared of explosive ordnance
  • Wait Only after demining is finished, with a handover certificate for the cleared area or a guarantee letter after non-technical survey
  • Wait Notify the authorised institution at least 7 working days before sampling
Not specifiedPoint samples from the plough layer, taken by hand or machine along a survey scheme, under methodological recommendations approved by the agriculture ministry. An arbitration sample is taken at the same time by the ministry’s authorised institution.Not specifiedNot specifiedConditionalCabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, Порядок approved by resolution No. 844 of 14 July 2025 (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Soil sampling and analysis on agricultural land cleared of explosive ordnance, ordered by the owner or user, a public body or another customer, to decide whether the land is fit for crops or needs reclamation or conservation. Sampling only after demining is finished and a handover certificate or guarantee letter exists.
Outside the rule
Sampling is done at a customer’s request; the procedure does not oblige every owner to sample.
Laboratory and analysis
Agrochemical laboratories or research institutions legally entitled to do the work. Analysis against the Cabinet of Ministers limits for hazardous substances in soil (resolution No. 1325 of 15 December 2021) and EU regulation requirements. The arbitration sample is kept for 2 years.
Field identifiers
The advance notice gives the cadastral number of each land plot and the date and time of sampling.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Постанова Кабінету Міністрів України від 14 липня 2025 р. № 844, Порядок відбору проб ґрунтів на землях сільськогосподарського призначення, очищених від вибухонебезпечних предметів, Порядок, пункти 1 to 12
United Kingdom Exact wording for United Kingdom
EnglandUnited KingdomEngland only. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules.Soil test results for manure and fertiliser planningFarming Rules for Water
  • Result valid No more than 5 years old when the manure or fertiliser is applied. Results taken before April 2018, or by another land manager, still count.
Not specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedConditionalSI 2018/151, regulation 5
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Land managers planning to apply organic manure or manufactured fertiliser to cultivated agricultural land in England: land cultivated in the previous year, or fertilised or manured in the previous 3 years.
Outside the rule
Land outside that definition. The rule limits the age of the result used for planning; it does not require every field to be sampled on a cycle.
Laboratory and analysis
Results must include pH, N, P, K and Mg. Soil N may be an assessment of soil nitrogen supply instead of a test.
In force from
2 April 2018
Legal text
The Reduction and Prevention of Agricultural Diffuse Pollution (England) Regulations 2018, SI 2018/151, Regulation 5

Sources

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Northern IrelandUnited KingdomNorthern Ireland only. England, Scotland and Wales have their own rules.Soil analysis for nitrogen and phosphorus on derogated grasslandNutrients Action Programme (NAP), grassland derogation
  • Repeat At least every 4 years for each homogeneous area of grassland
At least one analysis per 4 haNot specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedConditionalS.R. 2019/81, Schedule 8, Conditions applying in relation to a Derogation
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Grassland holdings authorised by DAERA to apply grazing livestock manure containing up to 250 kg N/ha a year (the derogation).
Outside the rule
Holdings without a derogation authorisation.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
The Nutrient Action Programme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019, S.R. 2019/81, as amended by S.R. 2019/183, Schedule 8, paragraphs 5 and 6, read with regulation 39

Sources

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Northern IrelandUnited KingdomNorthern Ireland only. England, Scotland and Wales have their own rules.Soil test for the phosphorus indexNutrients Action Programme (NAP)
  • Repeat Every fourth year is satisfactory as a basis for phosphorus fertiliser recommendations
  • Wait At least 3 months after the last fertiliser containing phosphorus, organic or chemical
Not more than 4 ha per sample. Generally one sample per field; areas that differ in growth, cropping or fertilising are sampled separately.Sub-samples taken at regular intervals along a W pattern, evenly spread over the whole area. Avoid headlands, dung and urine patches and where stock gather.Grassland 0 to 7.5 cm. Arable land 0 to 15 cm.At least 25 sub-samples per sampleConditionalS.R. 2019/81, Schedule 5, Soil test for Phosphorus
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Controllers applying chemical phosphorus fertiliser, or anaerobic digestate, in Northern Ireland: the soil phosphorus index that caps the application is ascertained by a Schedule 5 soil test.
Laboratory and analysis
A laboratory competent to analyse soils for phosphorus, with a UKAS accreditation (or national equivalent) statement on each analysis. Olsen extractable P, reported in mg P/l.
In force from
11 April 2019
Legal text
The Nutrient Action Programme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019, S.R. 2019/81, as amended by S.R. 2019/183, Schedule 5, read with regulations 12 and 13
Northern IrelandUnited KingdomNorthern Ireland only. England, Scotland and Wales have their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingDAERA soil sampling advice
  • Season October to February
  • Wait 3 months after organic manure, lime or bagged fertiliser
One sample for up to 4 ha, in one or more fields of similar soil type and managementNot specifiedNot specified20 to 25 cores per sampleOfficial guidanceDAERA, New requirements for soil sampling
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Northern Ireland farms from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Not law.
Field identifiers
Label each bag with your name, farm survey number and field number.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
DAERA, New requirements for soil sampling (news release, 8 August 2019)

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

ScotlandUnited KingdomScotland only. England, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules.Soil report as one of the Whole Farm Plan plans or reportsBasic Payment Scheme, Whole Farm Plan (soil report)
  • Result valid The soil report must have been prepared no more than 5 years before the start of the claim year
Not specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedConditionalS.S.I. 2025/59, regulation 3 (Article 43a and Annex IXa)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Basic Payment Scheme claimants in Scotland, who must prepare any two or more of five plans or reports for the claim year, and who choose the soil report as one of them. The report covers every field of Region 1 land managed on a permanent basis that receives artificial fertiliser or organic manure.
Outside the rule
Land let for less than a year, and land used for common grazing, is not land managed on a permanent basis.
Laboratory and analysis
For each field, any two of: soil pH, organic matter, phosphorus, potassium.
In force from
5 March 2025
Legal text
Rural Support (Improvement) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2025, S.S.I. 2025/59, inserting Article 43a and Annex IXa into Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 as it applies in Scotland, Article 43a and Annex IXa paragraph 5 (soil report)

Sources

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ScotlandUnited KingdomScotland only. England, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules.Soil testing before and during waste application to landEnvironmental Authorisations (Scotland): recovery of waste by application to land for soil improvement
  • Result valid Full analysis no more than 1 year before the first application to that land
  • Repeat For later applications, at the Table 2 frequencies: every 5 years for pH, extractable P, K and Mg (if claimed), texture and any element that earlier exceeded 90 percent of its limit; every 10 years for total carbon or organic matter and the metals
One representative sample per unit of land of not more than 5 haRepresentative sample per unit. Sampling, handling and testing follow SEPA technical guidance.Depth of the topsoil or 15 cm, whichever is deeper25 cores per sampleConditionalS.S.I. 2018/219, Schedule 18 (revised)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Recovery of waste (such as treated sewage sludge) by application to land for soil improvement, under a SEPA authorisation: SEPA must include these soil testing conditions.
Outside the rule
Creation of new soils when restoring former industrial land is not soil improvement under this schedule.
Laboratory and analysis
Every 5 years: soil pH, extractable P and K, soil texture, extractable Mg if claimed to be of benefit, and any potentially toxic element that earlier exceeded 90 percent of its limit. Every 10 years: total carbon or organic matter, cadmium, copper, mercury, nickel, lead, zinc. Metals by strong acid digestion, detection limit no more than 10 percent of the limit value.
In force from
1 June 2025
Legal text
The Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018, S.S.I. 2018/219, Schedule 18, inserted by S.S.I. 2025/165, Schedule 18, paragraph 8 and Table 2

Sources

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ScotlandUnited KingdomScotland only. England, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules.Nitrogen and phosphate soil sampling on derogated grasslandAction Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, grassland derogation
  • Repeat At least once every 4 years
At least one sampling and analysis for every 5 ha of the farm that can reasonably be considered homogeneousNot specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedConditionalS.S.I. 2008/298 (revised), regulations 14 and 14B
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Grassland farms in a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone granted a derogation to apply grazing livestock manure up to 250 kg N/ha a year.
Outside the rule
Farms without a derogation, and land outside Nitrate Vulnerable Zones.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
The Action Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Scotland) Regulations 2008, S.S.I. 2008/298, as amended by S.S.I. 2009/447, Regulation 14B(f), read with regulation 14(4)

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

ScotlandUnited KingdomScotland only. England, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules.Whole Farm Plan soil analysis: minimum standard and sampling adviceWhole Farm Plan, Soil Analysis minimum standard and recommended practice
  • Repeat Minimum standard: every qualifying Region 1 field sampled at least once every 5 years; by 15 May 2028 all of it sampled at least once since 16 May 2023
  • Repeat Recommended, not mandatory: at least 20 percent of Region 1 land sampled each year
Not specifiedRecommended, not mandatory: walk a W across the field, at least five samples on each leg. No minimum number of samples per field is set.Recommended: grass 0 to 7 cm, arable 0 to 15 cm.Not specifiedOfficial guidanceScottish Government Rural Payments and Services, Whole Farm Plan
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Scottish Government guidance for farmers and crofters doing soil analysis for the Whole Farm Plan: Region 1 land they manage on a permanent basis and apply artificial fertiliser or organic manure to. The page sets a minimum standard for the analysis and separate recommendations it marks as not mandatory. Guidance, not law; the Regulations themselves ask only for any two of pH, organic matter, P and K (separate row).
Outside the rule
Seasonal land and common grazing shares.
Laboratory and analysis
Minimum standard: analysis by a laboratory, including pH, phosphate (P), potash (K) and carbon (loss on ignition or Dumas test). Keep the results and a record of the actions taken.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Scottish Government Rural Payments and Services, Whole Farm Plan guidance, Soil Analysis minimum standard (published 18 March 2026)

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

WalesUnited KingdomWales only. England, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules.Soil testing of improved land on a five-year cycleSustainable Farming Scheme, Universal Layer, UA1 Soil Health
  • Repeat At least 20 percent of improved-land parcels tested in 2026 (or tested in the past 5 years); from year 2, on average 20 percent a year so every parcel is tested within 5 years, unless you opt for a break in year 2. Each year’s testing done by 31 December
  • Result valid Tests on improved-land parcels after 1 January 2022 count if they include P, K, Mg and pH; parcels are tested again 5 years from the last test
Not specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedConditionalWelsh Government, Sustainable Farming Scheme Universal Layer: Guidance 2026 (rules booklet), section J1
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Only farmers in the Sustainable Farming Scheme Universal Layer (agreement holders) who claim on field parcels with improved land. The duty comes from the scheme agreement and scheme rules; farms outside the scheme have no duty under this rule.
Outside the rule
Permanent habitat land. Improved land that has had no inputs or lime since 1 April 2022 and will have none in the scheme year, once confirmed on the Single Application Form.
Laboratory and analysis
An accredited laboratory, the same one for every sample from the farm. Tests from 1 January 2026 must cover at least P, K, Mg, pH and soil organic matter.
Field identifiers
Record the field number, date of test and results (P, K, Mg, pH, SOM) for each tested parcel on the SFS Universal Dashboard.
In force from
1 January 2026
Legal text
Sustainable Farming Scheme, Universal Layer: Guidance 2026 (scheme rules), under the Agriculture Support Schemes (Eligibility, Enforcement and Appeals) (Wales) Regulations 2025, S.I. 2025/1308 (W. 213), Rules booklet section J1 (UA1: Soil Health)
WalesUnited KingdomWales only. England, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules.How to take a soil sample for UA1Sustainable Farming Scheme, UA1 technical guidance for soil testing
  • Season Autumn
  • Wait 6 months after lime or fertiliser (nitrogen excepted). 6 weeks after the last organic manure.
Not specifiedA uniform field can be one sampling unit; a uniform field over 10 ha needs at least two units. Adjoining parcels each under 0.5 ha, managed alike on the same soil, may be combined up to 4 ha in total. Walk a wide W across each unit, 5 to 7 samples per leg at regular intervals. Avoid old manure heaps, feeding areas, headlands, gates and field edges.Permanent grass 0 to 7.5 cm. Arable or short-term grass ley 0 to 15 cm.5 to 7 samples on each leg of the W; 20 sample points for a set of combined small parcelsOfficial guidanceWelsh Government, UA1: Soil Health Technical Guidance (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Sampling method advice from the Welsh Government for farms testing soil under the Sustainable Farming Scheme. The sampling method is advice, not law.
Laboratory and analysis
Send every sample from the farm to the same accredited laboratory, with the same methods each sampling period.
Field identifiers
Label each bag with the field name or number, your name, the farm name and the date. The paperwork sent to the laboratory repeats these and adds the GPS position if taken, the sampling date and the depth.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Welsh Government, Sustainable Farming Scheme Universal Layer, UA1: Soil Health Technical Guidance (last updated 26 March 2026)

Sources

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United States Exact wording for United States
United StatesFederal rule in every state. State rules below may add to it.Phosphorus soil analysis for manure applicationFederal CAFO effluent guidelines, nutrient management plan
  • Repeat Soil phosphorus at least once every 5 years. Manure nitrogen and phosphorus at least once a year.
Not specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedConditional40 CFR § 412.4 (govinfo, 2025 edition)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Concentrated animal feeding operations that land-apply manure, litter or process wastewater, at or above these sizes: 700 mature dairy cows; 1,000 other cattle or veal calves; 2,500 swine of 55 lb or more, or 10,000 smaller swine; 55,000 turkeys; 30,000 laying hens or broilers with a liquid manure system; 82,000 laying hens or 125,000 other chickens with another manure system.
Outside the rule
Operations below those sizes, and any operation that does not land-apply manure, litter or process wastewater.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
40 CFR Part 412, Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations Point Source Category, § 412.4(c)(3), with § 412.30 and § 412.40

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

AlabamaUnited StatesAlabama only. Other states set their own rules.Soil tests on fields that receive animal wasteADEM animal feeding operation rules (AFO and CAFO)
  • Repeat At a frequency that meets NRCS technical standards and guidelines, and as often as needed to protect groundwater and surface water
Not specifiedAccepted standard soil sampling procedures, on each field.0 to 3 inches in sod crops. Depth of the plow layer in cultivated crops.Not specifiedConditionalAla. Admin. Code ch. 335-6-7 (Alabama Legislative Services Agency)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Animal feeding operations in Alabama, for each field where animal waste or wastewater has been or will be land applied.
Laboratory and analysis
Methods in the Southern Region soil test bulletins (Southern Cooperative Service Bulletins 289 and 374), the Alabama crop soil test recommendations (Auburn Series No. 178), or another method the Director approves. Analyses include pH and lime requirement, extractable phosphorus, and extractable zinc, copper, arsenic and other selected metals where the qualified credentialed professional finds them probable at high levels.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Alabama Administrative Code, Chapter 335-6-7 (ADEM, animal feeding operations), Rule 335-6-7-.26(5) and Rule 335-6-7-.03

Sources

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AlabamaUnited StatesAlabama only. Other states set their own rules.Grid and zone sampling for lime and fertilizerAlabama Cooperative Extension System, precision soil sampling advice
  • Repeat Grid sampling every 4 to 5 years, with zone sampling in between
Grids of 2.5 acres or less. Up to 5 acres in relatively uniform fields. Zones of 10 acres or less.Grid sampling to set a baseline in new or problem fields, then management zones. Hand sampling: cores in a circle around the grid center. Automated samplers: an S pattern through the grid. A zigzag through each zone.Not specifiedEight to twelve cores per grid or zone sample. At least ten to fifteen for zones of 10 acres or less, more for larger zones.Official guidanceACES ANR-3181, Precision Soil Sampling Strategies for Site-Specific Nutrient Management
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Alabama fields from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Auburn University and Alabama A and M). Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
ACES ANR-3181, Precision Soil Sampling Strategies for Site-Specific Nutrient Management (2025)

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

AlaskaUnited StatesAlaska only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service, soil sampling instructionsNot specifiedNot specifiedAt least 13 points per sample, following the form diagram. On contour strips, 6 cores 20 feet in from the edge of the strip and 6 from the opposite side. Separate samples where soil type, past fertilizer or lime, or cropping history differ.Tilling or plowing depth on cultivated land, or 6 inches. Pastures 3 or 4 inches.At least 13 slices or borings per sampleOfficial guidanceUAF Cooperative Extension Service, Kenai soil test interpretation form 2019 (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Alaska fields, pastures and gardens from the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
UAF Cooperative Extension Service, Kenai soil test interpretation form (2019), Soil Sampling Instructions

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

ArizonaUnited StatesArizona only. Other states set their own rules.Soil sampling for commercial crop productionUniversity of Arizona Cooperative Extension, soil sampling guide
  • Repeat Regularly, if not every season, before planting each crop
Whole field sampling: one composite sample per 15 to 20 acresWhole field: random cores in a zigzag across the field. Grid: composites per grid cell or points at grid intersections. Zone: separate composites where variation is already known.12 inches for vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, broccoli, celery or cantaloupes. 24 inches for cotton, alfalfa, corn or wheat. Tilled soils to tillage depth.15 to 20 cores or scoops per site, depending on field size and the laboratoryOfficial guidanceUniversity of Arizona Cooperative Extension AZ2147 (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for commercial agriculture in Arizona from the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
University of Arizona Cooperative Extension AZ2147, A Guide to Effective Soil Sampling for Sustainable Crop Production (July 2025)

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

ArkansasUnited StatesArkansas only, and within the designated nutrient surplus areas. Other states set their own rules.Soil test before phosphorus fertilizer and in nutrient management plansArkansas Soil Nutrient and Poultry Litter Application and Management Program (nutrient surplus areas)
  • Result valid Soil tests in a nutrient management plan or poultry litter management plan: not more than 5 years old
Not specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedConditionalANRC Title 22 (PDF, Arkansas Department of Agriculture)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Land in a designated nutrient surplus area. A soil test is required before commercial fertilizer containing phosphorus is applied at the protective rate. Nutrient management plans and poultry litter management plans must carry soil tests not more than five years old.
Outside the rule
Commercial fertilizer with nitrogen but no phosphorus may be applied without a soil test.
In force from
1 January 2010
Legal text
Arkansas Natural Resources Commission Title 22, Rules Governing the Arkansas Soil Nutrient and Poultry Litter Application and Management Program, Sections 2202.3, 2202.5, 2203.3 and 2204.2

Sources

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ArkansasUnited StatesArkansas only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension, soil test advice
  • Result valid A test guides fertilizer for 3 or 4 years. Resample when tests are over 4 years old.
  • Repeat Consider sampling yearly under intensive management or with several crops a year
Not specifiedZigzag pattern preferred. Sample each field or management unit separately.Crop fields to plowing depth, usually 4 to 6 inches. Pastures about 4 inches.At least 12 random points per areaOfficial guidanceUniversity of Arkansas Cooperative Extension FSA2121 (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Arkansas fields, pastures, lawns and gardens from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension FSA2121, Test Your Soil for Plant Food and Lime Needs (September 2026)

Sources

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CaliforniaUnited StatesCalifornia, Central Valley Region only: existing milk cow dairies under Order R5-2013-0122. Other regions and states set their own rules.Soil phosphorus monitoring on dairy land application areasCentral Valley Water Board, Dairy General Order (waste discharge requirements for existing milk cow dairies)
  • Repeat Once every 5 years from each land application area. May be spread over 5 years by sampling 20 percent of the areas each year.
Not specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedConditionalCentral Valley Water Board Order R5-2013-0122 with Monitoring and Reporting Program (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Existing milk cow dairies in the Central Valley Region covered by the General Order, on each land application area.
Laboratory and analysis
Laboratory analysis for soluble phosphorus. Spring and fall pre-plant nitrate, organic matter and other tests at 0 to 1 foot and 1 to 2 feet are recommended but not required.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board Order R5-2013-0122, Reissued Waste Discharge Requirements General Order for Existing Milk Cow Dairies, Monitoring and Reporting Program, Table 2 (Nutrient Monitoring, Soil)

Sources

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CaliforniaUnited StatesCalifornia only. Other states set their own rules.General fertility and nitrate samplingUniversity of California Cooperative Extension, guidelines for soil sampling
  • Repeat General fertility: every 3 years is common
  • Season Spring or fall, at the same time each year, not after fertilizer
  • Repeat Nitrate-N: every year, preplant or before fertilization
Not specifiedW-shaped pattern, a zigzag across the whole block, or a diagonal line. Divide non-uniform fields into blocks by cropping history and varieties, observed differences in crop development, and soil series.General fertility: 6 inches or tilling depth. Nitrate-N: 6 inches to 3 feet, by rooting depth and leaching risk.At least 20 cores per blockOfficial guidanceUCCE, Guidelines for Soil Sampling (PDF, UC ANR)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for California growers from University of California Cooperative Extension (UC Agriculture and Natural Resources). Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
UC Cooperative Extension (Small Farms Advisor, Yolo, Solano and Sacramento Counties), Guidelines for Soil Sampling

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

ColoradoUnited StatesColorado only. Other states set their own rules.Soil tests on land that receives CAFO manure or wastewaterColorado Animal Feeding Operations Control Regulation (Regulation No. 81), facility management plan for non-permitted CAFOs
  • Repeat At least once a year for available nutrients, including nitrate-nitrogen
  • Repeat Top one foot for available phosphorus at least once every 5 years, or as section 81.6(2)(b)(v) sets for phosphorus transport risk reassessments
Not specifiedNot specifiedTop one foot for the available phosphorus test. No depth set for the annual test.Not specifiedConditional5 CCR 1002-81, official PDF, Colorado Secretary of State (version effective 31 July 2017)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Operators of non-permitted CAFOs in Colorado, on land application sites for manure and wastewater, as part of the facility management plan.
Laboratory and analysis
Available nutrients including nitrate-nitrogen every year; available phosphorus every five years. Results are used to set manure and wastewater application rates.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
5 CCR 1002-81, Regulation No. 81, Animal Feeding Operations Control Regulation (Water Quality Control Commission), Section 81.6(2)(a)(ii)

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

ColoradoUnited StatesColorado only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingColorado State University Soil, Water and Plant Testing Laboratory, soil sampling instructionsNot specifiedNot specifiedSystematic or random sampling pattern. Separate samples for areas that differ in crop growth, soil color, or fertilizer and amendment history.Agricultural fields 0 to 8 inches10 to 15 subsamples per composite sampleOfficial guidanceCSU Soil, Water and Plant Testing Laboratory, Soil Sampling Instructions (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Colorado fields, gardens and lawns from the Colorado State University soil testing laboratory, distributed through CSU Extension offices. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Colorado State University Soil, Water and Plant Testing Laboratory, Soil Sampling Instructions (March 2026)

Sources

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ConnecticutUnited StatesConnecticut only. Other states set their own rules.Soil phosphorus test on Large CAFO land application fieldsConnecticut DEEP General Permit for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO GP)
  • Repeat Soil analyzed for phosphorus at least once every 5 years
Not specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedConditionalConnecticut DEEP, CAFO General Permit DEEP-WPED-GP-030 (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Large CAFOs registered under the Connecticut CAFO General Permit (DEEP-WPED-GP-030) that land apply manure, litter, digestate or agricultural wastewater.
Laboratory and analysis
Phosphorus content. Results are used to set manure, litter, digestate and wastewater application rates.
In force from
1 January 2023
Legal text
Connecticut DEEP General Permit for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, DEEP-WPED-GP-030, issued under section 22a-430b of the Connecticut General Statutes, Section 5(f)(1)(A)

Sources

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ConnecticutUnited StatesConnecticut only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingUniversity of Connecticut Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory, soil nutrient sampling instructions
  • Season Any time the ground is not frozen. Fall is highly recommended.
No sample may represent more than 15 acres12 or more random, evenly distributed spots. Separate samples for areas that differ in topography, drainage, texture, crop growth or use, soil color, or fertilizer history.Crop field 6 to 8 inches or the plough layer depth. Grass 3 to 4 inches.12 or more cores or slices per sampleOfficial guidanceUConn Plant and Soil Health Center, Sampling Instructions
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Connecticut farms, gardens and lawns from the University of Connecticut soil testing laboratory. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
UConn George Leigh Minor Plant and Soil Health Center, Soil Nutrient Sampling Instructions

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

DelawareUnited StatesDelaware only. Other states set their own rules.Soil test results in the nutrient management planDelaware Nutrient Management Program (Delaware Nutrient Management Commission)Not specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedConditionalDelaware Code Title 3 (PDF), Chapter 22
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Animal feeding operations over 8 animal units, and anyone who owns, leases or controls more than 10 acres where nutrients are applied. Their nutrient management plan must include the results of applicable soil analyses, and records of implementation must include soil test results. The plan is updated at least every 3 years or on significant changes in operations; the Act sets no soil sampling interval.
Outside the rule
Nutrient handlers applying to turf of more than 1/4 acre but less than 10 acres need no plan, but stay subject to the limits in the title and the regulations. Animal feeding operations that use no other nutrients and do not land apply their animal waste may substitute an animal waste management plan. County, municipal and industrial facilities permitted by DNREC under the land treatment of wastes rules are exempt from the chapter.
Laboratory and analysis
Phosphorus is read as the Mehlich 3 fertility index value (FIV). Fields above FIV 499 need a phosphorus site index assessment before phosphorus is applied.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Delaware Code, Title 3, Chapter 22 (Nutrient Management), § 2247 (nutrient management plans) and § 2202 (definitions)

Sources

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DelawareUnited StatesDelaware only. Other states set their own rules.Soil sampling and analysis for nutrient management plansDelaware Nutrient Management Program, Delaware Conservation Practice Standard: Soil Sampling and AnalysisNot specifiedNo more than 40 acres per sampleSmaller areas that differ in color, texture, drainage class, management or productivity are sampled separately.Approximately 8 inchesA minimum of 15 to 25 cores per sampleOfficial guidanceDelaware Department of Agriculture, Practice Standard Soil Sampling and Analysis (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Practice standard of the Delaware Nutrient Management Program, applying among other cases as part of any nutrient management plan. Published as a program standard, not as law.
Laboratory and analysis
Laboratories enrolled each year in a proficiency assessment program such as NAPT or ALP. Results in ppm or University of Delaware Fertility Index Value.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Delaware Department of Agriculture, Delaware Conservation Practice Standard, Soil Sampling and Analysis (October 2016)

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

DelawareUnited StatesDelaware only. Other states set their own rules.Soil sampling for commercial crop productionUniversity of Delaware Cooperative Extension, Delaware Soil Testing Program
  • Repeat Annual crops: every year, or every 2 to 3 years where fertility is very high
  • Repeat Perennial crops such as alfalfa or pasture: before seeding, then at least every 3 years
In general, 40 acres at most per sampleOne soil type or condition per sample. Separate samples for different soils or management histories. Avoid wet spots, dead furrows, stockpile sites and old fertilizer bands.Plow depth, usually 6 to 9 inches. No-till and reduced tillage also 6 to 9 inches.15 to 25 cores per sampleOfficial guidanceUniversity of Delaware Soil Testing Program, General Information
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for commercial crop production in Delaware from University of Delaware Cooperative Extension. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
University of Delaware Soil Testing Program, How to Take a Soil Sample for Commercial Crop Production

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

FloridaUnited StatesFlorida only. Other states set their own rules.Soil or tissue tests to plan fertilizer on enrolled vegetable and agronomic crop landFDACS agricultural Best Management Practices, Florida Vegetable and Agronomic Crop (VAC) Operations
  • Result valid Manual Guidance text under BMP 1.2.1, not the checklist BMP: a soil test less than one year old, showing a need for phosphorus, before phosphorus is applied (crops other than multi-year crops). The manual says its narrative creates no obligation beyond the checklist BMPs, and the checklist BMP sets no age for the test.
Not specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedConditionalFDACS VAC BMP Manual, 2024 Edition (PDF), incorporated in Rule 5M-8.002, F.A.C.
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Vegetable and agronomic crop producers enrolled in the FDACS BMP Program. BMP 1.2.1 has them perform soil tests, tissue tests, or both to plan and manage fertilizer applications. Enrollment, or water quality monitoring instead, is required by Florida law inside basin management action plan (BMAP) areas.
Outside the rule
In the same Guidance text, multi-year crops may use a calibration curve from the soil test taken before planting for later phosphorus applications.
Laboratory and analysis
An extraction method listed in Appendix 2 for the soil type: Mehlich-3, AB-DTPA, water, Bray 1 or 2, ammonium acetate or Mehlich-1. Other methods need FDACS approval and a documented justification.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
FDACS Florida Vegetable and Agronomic Crop Operations BMP Manual, 2024 Edition (FDACS-P-01268, rev. 12/24), incorporated in Rule 5M-8.002, F.A.C., BMPs 1.2.1 and 1.2.2 (Right Rate), the Guidance text under BMP 1.2.1, and Appendix 2

Sources

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FloridaUnited StatesFlorida only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingUF/IFAS Extension Soil Testing Laboratory, sampling advice
  • Repeat Soil pH at least once a year, if not every growing season
Up to 40 acres of a field section in commercial agriculture, uniform in management and topographyOne composite per area uniform in management and topography. Separate samples for areas that differ.Top 6 inches for most agronomic uses8 to 15 locations per composite sampleOfficial guidanceUF/IFAS Extension SL547/SS763
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Florida growers and landscapes from UF/IFAS Extension (University of Florida). Not law.
Laboratory and analysis
Mehlich-3 extraction for mineral soils up to pH 7.4; AB-DTPA for alkaline soils outside Miami-Dade County.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
UF/IFAS Extension SL547/SS763, How to Read Reports from the UF/IFAS Extension Soil Testing Laboratory

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

GeorgiaUnited StatesGeorgia only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingUniversity of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Soil Test Handbook for Georgia
  • Repeat Every 2 to 3 years in most situations. Every year for high-value cash crops, fields testing high in P and K with none applied, or over 150 lb N per acre a year.
  • Season One to six months before planting, at the same time each year
Most fields 5 to not more than 15 acres per sample. Smaller areas where soil, slope, drainage or management differ.Cores at random over the area. Precision methods sample field subsections by soil type, topography, or crop growth or yield maps.Plowed fields to plow depth (recommendations based on 6 inches for fertilizer, 8 inches for lime). Pastures and no-till 4 inches.A minimum of 10 to 20 cores per composite. Earlier sampling studies found 20 cores needed for a 20-acre field, 15 for 10 acres and 10 for 5 acres.Official guidanceUGA Cooperative Extension, Soil Test Handbook for Georgia (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Georgia fields, pastures and orchards from University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
UGA Cooperative Extension Special Bulletin 62, Soil Test Handbook for Georgia

Sources

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HawaiiUnited StatesHawaii only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingUniversity of Hawaii CTAHR, guide to soil testing
  • Repeat At least once every 2 years
  • Season Two to three months before planting
Larger areas such as pastures or orchards: uniform soil-test areas of 1 to 5 acres eachMap the area into uniform test areas; separate samples for different slope, soil color, drainage, texture or cropping history. Cores taken at random, for example in a zigzag.4 inches for no-till fields and established pasture. 8 inches for conventionally tilled fields. Tree crops 0 to 8 inches plus a subsoil sample from 8 to 24 inches.10 to 15 subsamples per composite sampleOfficial guidanceUH CTAHR, A Guide To Soil Testing For Hawaii’s Residents
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Hawaii farms, pastures, orchards and gardens from the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
University of Hawaii at Manoa CTAHR, A Guide To Soil Testing For Hawaii’s Residents (Hue, Uchida and Ho)

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

IdahoUnited StatesIdaho only. Other states set their own rules.Annual soil samples on fields that receive livestock wasteIdaho State Department of Agriculture, Environmental and Nutrient Management rules
  • Repeat Every year, on all fields that received livestock waste, manure or process wastewater from the operation
Not specifiedRepresentative samples taken by a Certified Soil Sampler using the methods of University of Idaho Soil Sampling Bulletin 704 (revised August 1997), incorporated by reference.Not specifiedNot specifiedConditionalIDAPA 02.04.30 (PDF, Idaho Office of the Administrative Rules Coordinator)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Facilities required to keep a nutrient management plan: licensed dairies, beef cattle feeding operations and poultry operations required to have an NMP, and commercial truck wash operations, on every field where their livestock waste, manure or process wastewater was land applied.
Laboratory and analysis
An approved laboratory: one with valid certification from the North American Proficiency Testing Program under the Soil Science Society of America.
Field identifiers
Where an alternate depth is used for resource concerns, the sampler marks the depth on every sample and lab submission form.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
IDAPA 02.04.30, Rules Governing Environmental and Nutrient Management (Idaho Department of Agriculture), Sections 150, 151, 152, 104 and 110

Sources

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IdahoUnited StatesIdaho only. Other states set their own rules.Soil testing to guide fertilizer managementUniversity of Idaho Extension, soil testing advice
  • Repeat Every year for best results; at least once each crop rotation cycle
Not specifiedDivide each field into sampling units; take cores at random, meandering or zigzagging through each unit.Fit to crop rooting depth; most fertilizer guides are based on 2 ft. Beans and sugar beets 2 ft. Potatoes 1 ft. Wheat fields would benefit from sampling to 5 ft in 1 ft increments.By field size: under 5 acres 15; 5 to 10 acres 18; 10 to 25 acres 20; 25 to 50 acres 25; over 50 acres 30. Never fewer than 10.Official guidanceUniversity of Idaho Extension BUL 915 (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Idaho fields from University of Idaho Extension. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
University of Idaho Extension BUL 915, Soil Testing to Guide Fertilizer Management (October 2023)

Sources

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IllinoisUnited StatesIllinois only. Other states set their own rules.Soil sampling for pH, phosphorus and potassiumUniversity of Illinois Extension, soil sampling advice (from the Illinois Agronomy Handbook, Chapter 8)
  • Repeat Every 2 to 4 years when soils are at optimum fertility
  • Season After harvest in the fall is ideal; same time of year each time
  • Wait Avoid sampling within a few months after lime or fertilizer
Uniform applications: one composite per 2.5 acres. Site-specific: one per 1.1 acres. Zones seldom over 10 acres.Grid points, five cores within a 10-foot radius of each point; or zones from yield maps, canopy data, soil type and history. Sample the same points each time, located by GPS or measuring wheel.7 inches, the depth the Illinois recommendations are calibrated to10 to 15 cores per composite, 15 to 20 for better representation. Grid points: five cores within a 10-foot radius.Official guidanceUniversity of Illinois Extension, Soil Sampling
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Illinois commercial crop fields from University of Illinois Extension. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
University of Illinois Extension, Soil Sampling (Illinois Agronomy Handbook, Chapter 8: Managing Soil pH and Crop Nutrients)

Sources

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IndianaUnited StatesIndiana only. Other states set their own rules.Soil phosphorus test for manure application ratesIDEM guidance on the Confined Feeding Operation (CFO) rule, 327 IAC 19, manure management plan
  • Result valid IDEM: the soil test used for a field’s manure rate must be no more than 4 years old on the date manure is applied there. A different frequency may be approved in the manure management plan.
IDEM: each soil test may represent no more than 20 acres (8.0937 ha)IDEM: composite samples, or averaged results, within areas of up to 20 acres, with the procedure set out in the manure management plan. Grid sampling is good practice, not required.Not specifiedIDEM: 12 to 15 plugs recommended for a composite from a 20 acre areaOfficial guidanceIDEM, Guidance Manual for Indiana’s Confined Feeding Program (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
IDEM guidance for confined feeding operations (at least 300 cattle, 600 swine or sheep, 30,000 poultry or 500 horses in confinement) on the soil tests behind each field’s manure application rate. It explains the CFO rule, 327 IAC 19; it is not the rule text.
Laboratory and analysis
IDEM: phosphorus is the only element the CFO rules require. Bray P1 or Mehlich 3 test, reported in ppm.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
IDEM, Guidance Manual for Indiana’s Confined Feeding Program (December 29, 2014; references updated October 2019 and July 2023), Manure Management Plan section, pp. 25 to 28 (explaining 327 IAC 19-7-5(c) and 327 IAC 19-14-3)

Sources

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IndianaUnited StatesIndiana only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingPurdue Extension soil sampling guidelines
  • Repeat Once every four years in most soils. Every two years on sandy or highly managed soils (irrigated, silage or hay fields).
  • Season When no crop is standing: spring before planting or fall after harvest, before fertilizer or lime. Keep the same season each time.
Whole field: at least one composite per 20 acres. Grid cells 1 to 5 acres, 2.5 acres or less works best. Zones usually 2 to 10 acres.Zig-zag pattern for whole-field sampling. Grid or zone sampling for variable-rate maps; zone sampling preferred over grid.Conventional tillage: 0 to 8 inches. Conservation tillage: separate 0 to 4 inch sample for pH and lime, 0 to 8 inches for fertility.10 to 20 subsamples per composite. Zones: two per acre, at least five. Grids: at least five for a 1 acre cell, 8 to 10 for 2.5 to 5 acre cells.Official guidancePurdue Extension AY-368-W, Soil Sampling Guidelines (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Indiana fields from Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service. Not law.
Laboratory and analysis
Often best to use the same laboratory every year, so year-to-year changes reflect the soil rather than differences between laboratories.
Field identifiers
Label each bag with field and sample number. For zone sampling, record each sample or zone location.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Purdue Extension AY-368-W, Soil Sampling Guidelines (November 2018)

Sources

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IowaUnited StatesIowa only. Other states set their own rules.Soil phosphorus and pH tests for the phosphorus indexIowa DNR manure management plans (MMP) for confinement feeding operations
  • Result valid Soil samples must be four years old or less
  • Repeat A complete plan with new soil sampling for each field at least once every four years
No more than 10 acres per sample. One sample for a field of 15 acres or less. Up to 20 acres for the next sampling where manure went on at phosphorus-based rates.Grid, management zone or soil type sampling, among others. Procedural details may be taken from ISU Extension CROP 31-8 (published as CROP 3108), NCR-13 Report 348 or other credible soil sampling publications.0 to 6 inchesAt least 10 cores per composite sampleConditionalIowa Administrative Code 567, Chapter 65 (PDF, IAC 8/6/25)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Anyone who must submit a manure management plan for a confinement feeding operation: construction permit applicants, owners of operations built or expanded after May 31, 1985 or building a manure storage structure, and people applying manure in Iowa from out-of-state confinement operations. Covers each field in the plan, the fields where the phosphorus index must be used.
Outside the rule
Small animal feeding operations (SAFO, 500 or fewer animal units), operations of 500 or fewer animal units that elect SAFO status for updated plans, construction permit applicants for an egg washwater storage structure, and research colleges for their research activities.
Laboratory and analysis
Phosphorus and pH. A laboratory enrolled in the IDALS soil testing certification program. Bray-1 phosphorus not accepted where soil pH is 7.4 or higher.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Iowa Administrative Code 567, Chapter 65 (Animal Feeding Operations), Rule 567-65.111(11) and 65.111(12)

Sources

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IowaUnited StatesIowa only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingIowa State University Extension and Outreach soil sampling advice
  • Repeat Every 2 to 4 years for most crops, or once in a crop rotation, in the same crop each time
  • Season Ideally after harvest and before fertilization. Not shortly after lime, fertilizer or manure. Avoid winter and frozen soil.
Grid: a suggested minimum of one sample per 2.5 acres. Beyond that, zone sampling is likely more effective. Otherwise one sample per uniform area.Soil map unit or management zone sampling, or grid sampling. Cores in a random zigzag pattern across each area; grid points cover an area at least 50 feet across.P, K, Zn and organic matter: 0 to 6 inches in all tillage systems. pH: 0 to 6 inches with tillage, top 2 to 3 inches in no-till and in hay or pasture.At least 10 to 12 cores per sample. 15 to 20 for a better average. At least 20 with recent banded fertilizer or manure.Official guidanceISU Extension and Outreach CROP 3108 (PDF, copy hosted by Iowa DNR)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Iowa fields from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Not law. Iowa manure management rules point to it for procedure.
Laboratory and analysis
Tell the laboratory when the pH sample came from 2 to 3 inches or the lime will not be incorporated.
Field identifiers
Each bag identifies the field and sample area with a unique number.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
ISU Extension and Outreach CROP 3108, Take a Good Soil Sample to Help Make Good Fertilization Decisions (December 2016)

Sources

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KansasUnited StatesKansas only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingK-State Research and Extension, Soil Testing Laboratory sampling advice
  • Repeat Row crops: immobile nutrients every 2 to 4 years, at a consistent time in the rotation. Permanent sod: every 2 to 4 years. Mobile nutrients: before responsive crops.
  • Season Row crops and sod: fall or spring. Nitrate, chloride and sulfur profile: late fall or early spring.
Not specifiedDivide each field into uniform areas of the same soil texture, colour, slope, and fertilization and cropping history; sample each area.Row crops 0 to 6 inches. Permanent sod 0 to 4 inches. Nitrogen, chloride or sulfur tests 0 to 24 inches.10 to 15 cores or slices per areaOfficial guidanceK-State Research and Extension MF734, Soil Testing Laboratory (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Kansas fields from K-State Research and Extension. Not law.
Field identifiers
Label the container clearly and record the sample identification on the container and the information sheet.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
K-State Research and Extension MF734, Soil Testing Laboratory (June 2016)

Sources

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KentuckyUnited StatesKentucky only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingUniversity of Kentucky Cooperative Extension soil sampling advice
  • Repeat Most fields every three to four years. Every year for high-value crops (tobacco, commercial horticulture, alfalfa, red clover, corn silage) and for manured fields.
  • Season Fall (September to December) or spring (February to April), at the same time of year each time
No more than 20 acres per sample, except where soils, past management and cropping history are quite uniform. Grid cells: 2.5 acres is the industry standard.Sample smaller areas by soil type, cropping history, erosion or past management; yield maps help. Grid sampling: treat each cell as a field.Tilled areas: depth of tillage, usually 6 to 8 inches. Pastures, no-till and minimum-till: 3 to 4 inches.At least 10 cores for small areas, up to 30 for larger fields. At least 10 across each grid cell.Official guidanceUK Cooperative Extension AGR-16, Taking Soil Test Samples (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Kentucky fields from University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension. Not law.
Field identifiers
Keep records of where each sample was taken.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension AGR-16, Taking Soil Test Samples (revised December 2003)

Sources

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LouisianaUnited StatesLouisiana only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingLSU AgCenter soil sampling, testing and test interpretation advice
  • Repeat At least once every two to three years, or once per complete crop rotation
  • Season At the same time each year
Zone sampling: one composite per 10 acres. Grid sampling: one composite per 2.5 acres; start new fields at 1 acre.Zone or grid sampling, subsamples in a zigzag pattern within each zone or grid cell. In furrow-irrigated fields, sample the bed top 4 to 6 inches from the row.0 to 6 inches12 to 15 subsamples per composite: one to two per acre for zones, five to six per acre for grids. More where fertilizer was banded or manure spread.Official guidanceLSU AgCenter P3934, Soil Sampling, Testing and Test Interpretation (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Louisiana fields from the LSU AgCenter. Not law.
Laboratory and analysis
A certified soil laboratory. Louisiana fertilizer recommendations are based on the Mehlich-3 extraction of 0 to 6 inch samples. Use the same laboratory each year.
Field identifiers
Label each bag with farm name and location, sampling date and depth, previous crop and the crop to be grown.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
LSU AgCenter P3934, Soil Sampling, Testing and Test Interpretation for Fertilizer Recommendations (July 2024)

Sources

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MaineUnited StatesMaine only. Other states set their own rules.Soil tests in a nutrient management planMaine Nutrient Management Act, nutrient management plans (NMP)
  • Repeat The statute sets no interval; it requires soil test results in the plan. Maine DACF guidance: soil and manure tests in the plan updated at least every 5 years, each field soil tested at least once every 5 years.
Not specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedConditional7 M.R.S. section 4204, Nutrient management plan (Maine Legislature)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Farms that confine and feed 50 or more animal units at any one time, store or use more than 100 tons a year of manure not generated on the farm, are the subject of a verified complaint of improper manure handling, or store or use regulated residuals. Soil tests cover the land the plan designates for manure spreading or irrigation.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Maine Revised Statutes Title 7, Chapter 747 (Nutrient Management Act), 7 M.R.S. section 4204, subsections 1-A(E) and 2
MaineUnited StatesMaine only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingUniversity of Maine soil sampling instructions and Cooperative Extension advice
  • Repeat At least once every three years; more often for problem areas or heavy nutrient use
  • Season Early spring after the frost is out, or fall before the ground freezes
Up to 8 acres per sample where past treatment and soil type are uniform. Separate samples for low spots, trouble spots, different soils and differently treated areas.Uniform sampling areas; keep a permanent field sampling map.Row crops or new seedings: plow depth, about 8 inches. Sod (hayfields, lawns): 3 to 4 inches. Tree crops: 12 inches.About 15 spots per sample areaOfficial guidanceMaine Soil Testing Service, Field and Soil Sample Information form, sampling instructions (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Maine fields from the University of Maine. Not law.
Field identifiers
Label each container with the sample area and last name, matching the field sampling map and the form.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Maine Soil Testing Service, sampling instructions (Field and Soil Sample Information form, 2018), and UMaine Extension Bulletin 2286
MarylandUnited StatesMaryland only. Other states set their own rules.Soil analysis results in a nutrient management planMaryland Nutrient Management Program (Maryland Department of Agriculture)
  • Result valid Soil analysis results valid for 3 years, unless a documented exception applies
Not specifiedStandard soil sampling methods acceptable to the Department, per field or management unit. Documented variations: larger uniform fields or a crop rotation as one unit, combined strip-cropped fields, smaller units for specialized production.Not specifiedNot specifiedConditionalCOMAR 15.20.08.05, Required Plan Recommendations
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Agricultural operations with gross annual income of 2,500 dollars or more, or eight or more animal units, that use chemical fertilizer, animal manure or biosolids, for each field or management unit in the plan.
Outside the rule
The 3-year validity does not bind where documented: a new-technology management system needs less frequent analysis, no nutrient application is needed, or nutrients go on less than once every 3 years.
Laboratory and analysis
Standard soil analysis methods acceptable to the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
COMAR 15.20.08, Nutrient Management Regulations, and COMAR 15.20.07, COMAR 15.20.08.05D; 15.20.07.05; 15.20.08.03B(2)
MarylandUnited StatesMaryland only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingUniversity of Maryland Extension soil sampling advice
  • Repeat At least once every three years, more often if possible
  • Season Consider the same month each round. Fall after harvest and before nutrient applications is recommended.
  • Wait At least six weeks after fertilizer or manure
Not specifiedSample each management unit separately, cores at random across the unit. Grid or zone sampling where it fits the farm.Fertility, cropland and pasture: 0 to 8 inches. Pasture and continuous no-till: a second 0 to 2 inch sample for pH only.At least 15 to 20 cores for units of about 20 acres or less. At least one per acre for 20 to 30 acres. Less than one per acre is acceptable above 40 acres.Official guidanceUniversity of Maryland Extension FS-1184 (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Maryland fields from University of Maryland Extension. Not law.
Laboratory and analysis
A regional soil testing laboratory suitable for nutrient management planning in Maryland (UM-ANMP list).
In force from
Under review
Legal text
University of Maryland Extension FS-1184, Soil Sampling for Optimizing Agricultural Production in Maryland (November 2021)

Sources

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MinnesotaUnited StatesMinnesota only. Other states set their own rules.Soil phosphorus tests on land receiving feedlot manureMinnesota feedlot rules (MPCA), land application of manure
  • Repeat At least once every four years
Not specifiedNot specifiedUpper six inchesNot specifiedConditionalMinnesota Rules, part 7020.2225 (Revisor of Statutes)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Land receiving manure or process wastewater from animal feedlots, or manure storage areas, capable of holding 300 or more animal units.
Laboratory and analysis
Phosphorus by the Bray P1 or Olsen test. Fields over the set phosphorus levels need a manure management plan submitted with a permit application.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Minnesota Rules, part 7020.2225, Land application of manure, Part 7020.2225, subpart 3, item C

Sources

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MississippiUnited StatesMississippi only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingMississippi State University Extension soil testing advice
  • Repeat Each field once every 3 years or once per crop rotation
  • Season Spring plantings: late October to January. Fall plantings: May to early August.
Not specifiedDivide fields into uniform areas using a soil map; cores at random in a zigzag pattern; row crops between the rows.Cropland: plow depth or another constant depth, generally 6 inches. Pastures and lawns: 4 to 6 inches.At least 15 to 20 cores. 30 or more if the soil was limed or broadcast-fertilized in the last 2 years.Official guidanceMSU Extension Publication 3858, Soil Testing for the Farmer (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Mississippi fields from Mississippi State University Extension. Not law.
Field identifiers
Label each sample (at most five characters) and keep a map of the areas sampled.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Mississippi State University Extension Publication 3858, Soil Testing for the Farmer (POD-07-26)

Sources

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MissouriUnited StatesMissouri only. Other states set their own rules.Current soil test results for CAFO manure applicationMissouri DNR CAFO Nutrient Management Technical Standard
  • Result valid Re-sample before manure application when the soil test is more than five years old, or the phosphate surplus since the last test exceeds 500 lb/acre
Approximately 20 acres or less per sample. Grid alternative: cells under 3 acres.Per MU Guides G9215 (pastures) and G9217 (row and hay crops). Georeferenced grid sampling is an alternative.6 to 8 inchesAt least 15 representative cores per sample, more on pastures or where phosphorus was banded. Grid: at least 10 cores within 15 feet of the grid point.Official guidanceMissouri DNR CAFO Nutrient Management Technical Standard, March 4, 2009 (PDF, copy in the MU CAFO operator curriculum)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Missouri DNR technical standard (March 4, 2009) for land application fields in the nutrient management plans of Class I CAFOs. Compliance is how a CAFO shows a precipitation-related discharge qualifies as agricultural stormwater. A department standard, not the regulation text.
Laboratory and analysis
A laboratory accredited by the Missouri Soil Testing Association, using University of Missouri Soil Testing Laboratory procedures.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Missouri Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation Nutrient Management Technical Standard (Missouri DNR, March 4, 2009), Section III, A1(1)
MissouriUnited StatesMissouri only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility sampling, hayfields and row cropsUniversity of Missouri Extension soil sampling advice
  • Repeat Every three to five years, at the same time of year as the last sample
  • Season When the field is idle: fall and winter after harvest for forages and spring crops; summer for winter wheat and fall-seeded crops
  • Wait At least three months after phosphorus fertilizer, lime or manure
Sampling areas typically no more than 20 acres. Grid sampling: typically one sample per 2.5 acres or less.Divide fields into areas expected to be similar or managed alike; zigzag across the whole area. Grid sampling for variable rate, high-value fields or unknown history.6 to 7 inches for most objectives. Long-term no-till: a separate 0 to 2 inch sample for surface pH.10 to 20 cores. 15 to 20 with manure, banded fertilizer or other variation; 10 to 15 on uniform, broadcast-fertilized fields. 30 cores in a set pattern where injection bands are known.Official guidanceMU Extension G9217, Soil Sampling Hayfields and Row Crops (PDF, CAFO operator curriculum copy)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Missouri hayfields and row crops from University of Missouri Extension. Not law.
Laboratory and analysis
A laboratory accredited by the Missouri Soil Testing Association (MSTA).
Field identifiers
Label each sample with field and subfield names.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
MU Extension Guide G9217, Soil Sampling Hayfields and Row Crops

Sources

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MontanaUnited StatesMontana only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingMontana State University Extension soil sampling advice
  • Season Late fall to mid-spring for nitrogen. If sampled in fall above about 60 lb N/acre on soils under two feet deep, sample again in spring.
Not specifiedGrid for immobile nutrients, manure or high fertilizer history, or merged fields; zones for nitrogen, organic matter and pH, unknown history or yield linked to landscape. Uniform fields sampled at random. Georeference sampling points and return to them.Annual crops: 6 inches for most tests, at least 2 feet for nitrogen. Pasture and forage: 12 inches.Ten subsamples per composite is a reasonable average; 12 per field or zone for plus or minus 25 percent accuracy at 90 percent confidence.Official guidanceMSU Extension, The Soil Scoop: Soil Testing, Getting a Good Sample (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Montana fields from Montana State University Extension. Not law.
Laboratory and analysis
Olsen phosphorus test, the basis of Montana P guidelines. Ask whether the lab is enrolled in a proficiency testing program; stay with a reliable lab in later years.
Field identifiers
Georeference sampling points with GPS; keep records of sampling locations and timing.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
MSU Extension, The Soil Scoop: Soil Testing, Getting a Good Sample (September 2025), and MontGuide MT200803AG, Soil Sampling Strategies (revised September 2017)
NebraskaUnited StatesNebraska only. Other states set their own rules.Soil phosphorus and nitrogen tests on manure application fieldsLivestock Waste Control Regulations, nutrient management plan
  • Repeat Phosphorus: before the first manure application, then at least once every 5 years while the field is used
  • Repeat Nitrogen: before the first manure application, then at least annually while the field is used
Not specifiedSoil sampling procedures and depths set out in the nutrient management plan. University of Nebraska guidelines may be used; the Department may approve alternatives.Not specifiedNot specifiedConditionalTitle 130, Livestock Waste Control Regulations (effective 23 September 2026)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Livestock operations applying for a permit under Title 130, for each field used to land apply manure, litter or process wastewater.
Laboratory and analysis
Soil analytic methods set out in the nutrient management plan. University of Nebraska guidelines may be used; the Department may approve alternatives.
In force from
23 September 2026
Legal text
Nebraska Administrative Code, Title 130, Livestock Waste Control Regulations, Chapter 14, sections 001.10E and 001.11

Sources

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NebraskaUnited StatesNebraska only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingNebraska Extension sampling advice
  • Season Late fall or early winter, except for nitrate testing on coarse-textured soils. Where nitrate may have leached over winter or spring, spring sampling before planting is the preferred option.
Fields or areas within fields no larger than 40 acres (16.19 ha)Random cores within representative areas for a uniform rate. Management zones or a grid with known sample locations for variable rate.0 to 8 inches (0 to 20.32 cm) for pH, lime need, organic matter, P, K, S and Zn. Nitrate: subsurface cores to 3 feet (91.44 cm), 2 feet (60.96 cm) at minimum.10 to 15 random surface cores per 40-acre area. Six to eight subsoil cores for nitrate.Official guidanceNebraska Extension, G1740 Guidelines for Soil Sampling
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Nebraska fields from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Nebraska Extension, Guidelines for Soil Sampling (G1740)

Sources

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NevadaUnited StatesNevada only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingUniversity of Nevada, Reno Extension sampling advice
  • Repeat Every 2 to 3 years for most crops. Before each crop for high-value cash crops. Sandy soils every 2 to 3 years, clay soils every 3 to 4 years. Every year where earlier tests showed levels too high or too low.
  • Season After harvest and before planting the next crop, around the same month each year
  • Wait Avoid sampling soon after fertilizer or manure applications
Not specifiedDivide the field into similar units by soil, slope, drainage, erosion and history. Random cores in a zigzag pattern in each unit; a simple random pattern on uniform fields.15 cm (6 inches) for shallow-rooted crops, 30 cm (12 inches) for deep-rooted crops. In some cases on light-textured soils where nutrients leach, separate deeper samples from 15 to 60 cm (6 to 24 inches) for available nitrogen and sulfur.Two or three cores per acre in each unit. At least 15 to 20 cores on uniform fields.Official guidanceUniversity of Nevada, Reno Extension, FS-19-17
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Nevada growers from the University of Nevada, Reno Extension. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Know the Status of Your Soils Before You Plant (FS-19-17)

Sources

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New HampshireUnited StatesNew Hampshire only. Other states set their own rules.Soil test for corn, forage, pasture and hayUNH Extension soil testing service instructionsNot specifiedNot specifiedA sample representative of the area to be advised on. Keep out areas with an obvious difference in soil type, drainage or plant growth.6 to 8 inches (15.24 to 20.32 cm) for row crops and alfalfa. 4 to 6 inches (10.16 to 15.24 cm) for deep grass and pastures. 2 to 4 inches (5.08 to 10.16 cm) for no-till fields.15 to 20 locations per field, combinedOfficial guidanceUNH Cooperative Extension, Soil Testing Form: Corn, Forage, Pasture and Hay (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Instructions for New Hampshire farm samples sent to the University of New Hampshire Extension lab. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
UNH Cooperative Extension, Soil Testing Form: Corn, Forage, Pasture and Hay, sampling instructions

Sources

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New JerseyUnited StatesNew Jersey only. Other states set their own rules.Soil test for field, vegetable, fruit and nursery cropsRutgers Soil Testing Laboratory sampling procedure
  • Season Easiest when soil moisture is suitable for plowing
Not specifiedVertical slices or cores mixed into one representative sample per sampling area. Separate samples for separate areas.Surface to 6 to 8 inches (15.24 to 20.32 cm)11 to 15 locations within the sampling areaOfficial guidanceRutgers Cooperative Extension, Commercial Farm and Nursery Soil Testing
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Instructions for New Jersey growers sending samples to the Rutgers Soil Testing Laboratory. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Commercial Farm and Nursery Soil Testing, Sampling Procedure

Sources

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New MexicoUnited StatesNew Mexico only. Other states set their own rules.Annual soil sampling of dairy land application fieldsGround water protection, supplemental permitting requirements for dairy facilities (Dairy Rule)
  • Repeat Annually on every field that has received wastewater or stormwater, cropped or fallow
  • Season Before the first wastewater application on a new field; an initial event on every field in the first year of each permit term
Not specifiedOne composite per field from cores taken at random throughout the field; a separate composite for each soil texture.Three composites per field: 0 to 12 inches (0 to 30.48 cm), 12 to 24 inches (30.48 to 60.96 cm) and 24 to 36 inches (60.96 to 91.44 cm)15 cores per compositeConditional20.6.6 NMAC (New Mexico Administrative Code)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Dairy facilities with a discharge permit and a land application area: every field that has received or is receiving wastewater or stormwater, and every field in the first year of each permit term.
Laboratory and analysis
pH, EC, sodium, calcium and magnesium on a saturated paste extract; phosphorus by Olsen sodium bicarbonate; nitrate by 2 molar KCl extract; methods under 20.6.6.24 NMAC.
Field identifiers
A map showing the fields and the sampling locations within each field, submitted with the results.
In force from
16 June 2015
Legal text
20.6.6 NMAC, Ground Water Protection: Supplemental Permitting Requirements for Dairy Facilities, 20.6.6.25 NMAC, Subsections K and L

Sources

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New MexicoUnited StatesNew Mexico only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingNMSU Cooperative Extension sampling advice
  • Repeat Every year before the crop season; at least every other year
Divide crop fields larger than 25 acres (10.12 ha) into separate sampling sectionsOne sample per management zone: an area treated the same for water, fertilizer and yield potential. Divide by yield history, slope, weed pressure and soil type.Untilled ground (direct-seeded fields, orchards, vineyards): 6 to 8 inches (15.24 to 20.32 cm). Tilled fields: 12 inches (30.48 cm).10 to 15 subsamples from the same depth per sampleOfficial guidanceNMSU Guide A-146, Recommended Analyses for New Mexico Soils
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for New Mexico farms from New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension. Not law.
Laboratory and analysis
Labs in the North American Proficiency Testing Program are suggested. For New Mexico soils, pH on the saturated paste.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
New Mexico State University, Guide A-146, Recommended Analyses for New Mexico Soils

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New YorkUnited StatesNew York only. Other states set their own rules.Soil sampling for field cropsCornell Nutrient Management Spear Program, Agronomy Fact Sheet Series
  • Repeat At least once every 2 to 3 years
  • Season Best in fall after harvest of the main crop; spring or summer also possible. Sample around the same month each year.
  • Wait 5 to 6 weeks after fertilizer or manure, or sod termination, for pH, general fertility and the soil nitrogen test
Generally 15 acres (6.07 ha) or less per sample. Grid cells often 0.5 to about 6 acres.Zigzag across the field when one sample represents the whole field. Grid sampling for larger fields and zone management; grid results can define management zones that are sampled from then on.Conventional tillage 0 to 8 inches (0 to 20.32 cm). Pasture 0 to 6 inches (0 to 15.24 cm). No-till or minimum till: 0 to 1 inch (0 to 2.54 cm) for pH and 0 to 6 inches (0 to 15.24 cm) for nutrients.About two cores per acre (field acres times 2), at least 10 to 15 on smaller fields. Grid cells and zones: an average of two cores per acre.Official guidanceCornell Agronomy Fact Sheet #1, Soil Sampling for Field Crops (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for New York field crops from Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Cornell University, Agronomy Fact Sheet #1, Soil Sampling for Field Crops (2020)

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North CarolinaUnited StatesNorth Carolina only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingNC State Extension SoilFacts
  • Repeat Coastal plain: every 2 to 3 years. Piedmont and mountains: once every 4 years is usually enough.
  • Season 3 to 6 months before planting, at the same time every year if possible. Perennial or sod crops: 3 to 4 months before establishing the crop or applying lime or fertilizer.
No more than about 20 acres (8.09 ha) per sample, even where the soil looks uniformCores at random locations through one field or area of one soil type or condition. A separate sample for each area that differs in slope, color, drainage or texture and can be fertilized separately.Field crops: plow depth, usually about 8 inches (20.32 cm). Perennial crops being maintained (fescue, alfalfa, turf): 4 inches (10.16 cm).About 15 to 20 cores per sampleOfficial guidanceNC State Extension, AG-439-30, Careful Soil Sampling
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for North Carolina farms from NC State Extension, written with the state soil testing laboratory. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
NC State Extension, Careful Soil Sampling: The Key to Reliable Soil Test Information (AG-439-30, 2022)

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North DakotaUnited StatesNorth Dakota only. Other states set their own rules.Soil sampling for fertilizer recommendations, including nitrateNDSU Extension sampling advice
  • Season Nitrate samples may be taken right after any grain harvest. Sample for K at the same time each year.
Where grid sampling is used: one sample per acre (0.40 ha). Coarser grids, such as one sample per 2.5 acres, are inadequate in North Dakota. The guide sets no area for zone samples.Zone sampling, with zones built from at least two tools such as crop canopy imagery, soil EC sensors, multiyear yield maps and elevation. A systematic unaligned grid only in areas with large manure applications or fields with large P and K buildup applications.0 to 6 inches (0 to 15.24 cm) for pH, P, K, Zn, Cu, Mn. 0 to 2 feet (0 to 60.96 cm) for nitrate-N and chloride, best split at 6 inches. No-till: 0 to 2 inches (0 to 5.08 cm) separately from 2 to 6 inches.Eight to 10 cores at random within each zoneOfficial guidanceNDSU Extension, SF990 Soil Sampling as a Basis for Fertilizer Application
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for North Dakota fields from North Dakota State University Extension. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
NDSU Extension, Soil Sampling as a Basis for Fertilizer Application (SF990, revised September 2023)

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OhioUnited StatesOhio only. Other states set their own rules.Soil sampling to develop nutrient recommendationsOhio State University Extension, Ohioline fact sheetsNot specifiedNo sample zone over 25 acres (10.12 ha). Grid option: one point per 2.5 acres (360 by 360 feet).Systematic grid sampling, or management zones from yield maps, management history and other data; zigzag through each zone. Georeferenced points help track trends.8 inches (20.32 cm), the depth most soil tests are calibrated to. No-till: a 0 to 2 inch (0 to 5.08 cm) sample for pH may help.At least 15 cores per composite from 25 acres or less; 20 to 25 after banded fertilizer. Zones: 10 to 15 cores. Grid points: 8 cores within a 10-foot circle.Official guidanceOhioline AGF-513, Soil Sampling to Develop Nutrient Recommendations
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Ohio fields from Ohio State University Extension. Not law.
Laboratory and analysis
Ask whether the lab follows Recommended Chemical Soil Test Procedures for the North Central Region.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Ohio State University Extension, Soil Sampling to Develop Nutrient Recommendations (AGF-513, 2012)

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OklahomaUnited StatesOklahoma only. Other states set their own rules.Soil test on poultry waste land application areasOklahoma Registered Poultry Feeding Operations Act, nutrient management plan
  • Repeat Operations in a non-nutrient-limited watershed and non-nutrient-vulnerable groundwaters: at least once every 3 years on each land application area
  • Repeat Operations in a nutrient-limited watershed and nutrient-vulnerable groundwater: every year on each land application area, before the first application of the calendar year
  • Result valid Analysis data must be dated before the land application and kept for at least 6 years
Not specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedConditionalOklahoma Registered Poultry Feeding Operations Act (Title 2 O.S.), text as compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, reference date 29 August 2024 (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Poultry feeding operations under the Act, meaning a property or facility where poultry are confined and fed 45 days or more in any 12 months, crops or other vegetation are not sustained over any part of it in the normal growing season, and over 10 tons of poultry waste are produced a year. Applies to each land application area.
Laboratory and analysis
Soil pH and plant-available nutrients, at a minimum nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Oklahoma Registered Poultry Feeding Operations Act, Title 2 O.S. Section 10-9.7, Section 10-9.7, subsections F, G and H
OregonUnited StatesOregon only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility sampling for farms and gardensOregon State University Extension sampling advice
  • Repeat Every 2 to 3 years for annual crops, pastures and legumes. Every 3 to 5 years for Christmas trees, fruit and nut trees, berries and grapes.
  • Season Same time of year each time. Western Oregon high-rainfall soils: late summer or fall. Perennial crops: before planting.
Not specifiedA separate sample for each area that differs in soil type, topography, crop or management history. Avoid unusual spots.Surface to about 6 inches (15.24 cm), or to the depth of tillage. Keep the same depth for all future samples.15 to 20 subsamples per sampling areaOfficial guidanceOregon State University Extension, EC 628 (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Oregon farms and gardens from Oregon State University Extension. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Oregon State University Extension, A Guide to Collecting Soil Samples for Farms and Gardens (EC 628, revised November 2022)

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PennsylvaniaUnited StatesPennsylvania only. Other states set their own rules.Soil test for P, K and pH in a nutrient management planNutrient Management Act (Act 38), nutrient management plans
  • Repeat Every crop management unit at least every 3 years from the date of the last test, once the plan is approved
  • Result valid For the initial plan, tests taken within the previous 3 years are acceptable
Not specifiedOne soil test per crop management unit: a field, part of a field or group of fields with the same rotation and manure history and similar production capability, managed as one unit.Not specifiedNot specifiedConditional25 Pa. Code Section 83.292
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Nutrient management plan operations: concentrated animal operations (8 or more animal equivalent units where animal density exceeds 2 AEUs per acre on an annualized basis), operations that submit a plan voluntarily, and operations required to develop compliance plans under section 506(j) of the Act. Soil tests for every crop management unit.
Laboratory and analysis
Accurate test procedures; the Penn State recommended procedures in Recommended Soil Testing Procedures for the Northeastern United States (Bulletin 493) may be used, others need Commission approval. The plan lists P, K and pH results, the test date and the lab name.
In force from
1 October 2006
Legal text
25 Pa. Code Chapter 83, Subchapter D, Nutrient Management, Section 83.292(e)

Sources

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PennsylvaniaUnited StatesPennsylvania only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility sampling for cropland and foragePenn State Extension sampling advice
  • Repeat At least every 3 years, or when the cropping system changes significantly
  • Season Fall is the best time logistically. Before a forage seeding: at least 6 months ahead.
One sample should not represent more than 10 to 20 acres (4.05 to 8.09 ha)Cores at random over the field, between old crop rows; separate samples from known problem areas.Plow depth in cultivated fields. No-till: one sample to 6 inches (15.24 cm) and one to 2 inches (5.08 cm). Permanent pasture: 3 to 4 inches (7.62 to 10.16 cm).At least 15 to 20 spots at random over the fieldOfficial guidancePenn State Extension, Soil Fertility Management for Forage Crops: Pre-establishment
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice for Pennsylvania fields from Penn State Extension. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Penn State Extension, Soil Fertility Management for Forage Crops: Pre-establishment (updated August 2025)

Sources

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South CarolinaUnited StatesSouth Carolina only. Other states set their own rules.Soil test before land applying animal manureStandards for the Permitting of Agricultural Animal Facilities
  • Season Each field, before manure application (required)
  • Repeat Each field should be sampled at least once per year (the rule says "should")
  • Season Where manure goes on less than once a year, at least one sample before returning to that field (required)
Not specifiedNot specifiedUsually 6 to 8 inches (15.24 to 20.32 cm). The rule gives this as the usual depth, not a fixed one.Not specifiedConditionalSC State Register Document No. 4997, R.61-43 (final, State Register 45/5)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Land where animal manure and other animal byproducts are applied under R.61-43 (Part 100 for swine, Part 200 for other animal facilities). Each field is sampled before manure application, to set the application rate.
In force from
28 May 2021
Legal text
S.C. Code of Regulations R.61-43, as replaced by State Register Document No. 4997, Sections 100.100.B.9 (swine) and 200.100.B.9 (other animal facilities)

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South CarolinaUnited StatesSouth Carolina only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingClemson University Agricultural Service Laboratory sampling guidelinesNot specifiedOne sample per 10 acres or less (4.05 ha) on large areasSample separately areas cropped or fertilized differently, or with different soil types or textures.Cultivated areas: surface to 6 to 8 inches (15.24 to 20.32 cm). Pasture or turf: 2 to 4 inches (5.08 to 10.16 cm).Sub-samples from at least 12 locationsOfficial guidanceClemson Agricultural Service Laboratory, Guidelines for Collecting Samples
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice from the public land-grant university laboratory for South Carolina. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Clemson University Agricultural Service Laboratory, Guidelines for Collecting Samples

Sources

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South DakotaUnited StatesSouth Dakota only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility and nitrate samplingSDSU Extension, Recommended Soil Sampling Methods for South Dakota
  • Repeat P, K, pH, salts, Ca, Mg and micronutrients every 2 to 3 years. Nitrate every year before non-legume crops.
  • Season Mobile nutrients, nitrate in particular: late fall once soil is below 50 F, winter, or early spring. Most other tests any time of year.
Grid cells no larger than 2.5 acres (1.01 ha)Whole field composite, a grid of 2.5 acres or less, or directed zone sampling by landscape, yield, imagery or soil conductivity.0 to 6 inches (0 to 15.24 cm) for P, K, pH, organic matter, soluble salts, zinc, iron, manganese, copper and boron. For mobile nutrients such as nitrate, chloride and sulfur, a 24 inch sample split into 0 to 6 and 6 to 24 inches (15.24 to 60.96 cm).At least 15 cores for a whole field or a zone. A grid sample is usually 6 to 8 cores.Official guidanceSDSU Extension P-00132 (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice from the public land-grant university extension service for South Dakota. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
SDSU Extension P-00132, Recommended Soil Sampling Methods for South Dakota (September 2019)

Sources

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TennesseeUnited StatesTennessee only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingUT Extension, Soil Testing for Commercial Farmers
  • Repeat Continuous conventional row crops every 2 to 3 years. Double cropping, continuous no-till corn or cotton, and hay every 2 years. Continuous no-till soybeans only, and pasture, every 3 to 5 years. Tobacco and vegetables every year.
  • Season September to November, or March to April
A composite from an area of no more than 10 acres (4.05 ha). Grids of 2.5 or 5 acres are widely used.Whole field composite in a zigzag pattern, grid, or zones built from soil type, lime and fertilizer history and yield maps. Sample contrasting areas separately.6 inches (15.24 cm) for pH, P, K, Ca, Mg, micronutrients and organic matter. 12 inches (30.48 cm) for the corn pre-sidedress nitrate test.About 20 locations per composite. Six or eight cores per grid sample.Official guidanceUT Extension W 1194, Soil Testing for Commercial Farmers (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice from the public land-grant university extension service for Tennessee. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
UT Extension W 1194, Soil Testing for Commercial Farmers (9/23)

Sources

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TexasUnited StatesTexas only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingTexas A and M AgriLife Extension, Procedure for Taking Soil Samples
  • Wait At least 2 months after the last fertilization
One composite sample for every 10 to 40 acres (4.05 to 16.19 ha)Separate samples for different soil types, land uses or fertilizer rates, cropping histories and terrain. Avoid fertilizer bands, small gullies, depressions, terraces, waterways and unusual areas.0 to 6 inches (0 to 15.24 cm)10 to 15 cores per composite (one core, then 9 to 14 more)Official guidanceTexas A and M AgriLife Extension, Soil Sample Information Form (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice from the public land-grant university extension laboratory for Texas. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Texas A and M AgriLife Extension Soil, Water and Forage Testing Laboratory, Soil Sample Information Form, Procedure for Taking Soil Samples

Sources

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TexasUnited StatesTexas only. Other states set their own rules.Soil monitoring on CAFO waste application fieldsTCEQ regulatory guidance for concentrated animal feeding operations
  • Season Before waste application begins, and after it begins
  • Repeat GPS grid method: sampled annually on the same grid layout
Not specifiedComposite per land management unit (LMU). Subsample locations by professional judgment, grid with random selection, or GPS grid.0 to 6 inches (0 to 15.24 cm) and 6 to 24 inches (15.24 to 60.96 cm). Where 0 to 2 and 2 to 6 inch samples (0 to 5.08 and 5.08 to 15.24 cm) are required, take the 0 to 6 inch sample and divide it.10 to 15 subsamples per depth per LMU, preferably 15Official guidanceTCEQ RG-408, Soil Sampling for CAFOs (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
State agency guidance for CAFOs that apply animal waste to land. Not law: the requirements sit in 30 TAC Chapter 321, Subchapter B and the CAFO general permit.
Laboratory and analysis
An agronomic soil laboratory, using the test methods in the Texas A and M AgriLife Soil, Water and Forage Testing Laboratory procedures.
Field identifiers
GPS each subsample location and keep it for two years (grid and GPS grid methods).
In force from
Under review
Legal text
TCEQ RG-408, Soil Sampling for Concentrated Animal-Feeding Operations (CAFOs), revised December 2017

Sources

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UtahUnited StatesUtah only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingUSU Analytical Labs, Soil Sampling Procedure
  • Season Any time of year, early fall often preferred. Spring for the special nitrate test.
Not specifiedSample separately each area of uniform color, texture, drainage, and the same cropping and fertilizer treatment last year, from locations in a random pattern. Leave out non-typical spots or sample them separately.Standard topsoil sample: surface to 12 inches (0 to 30.48 cm). For nitrate when applying manure, also 12 to 24 inches (30.48 to 60.96 cm) or 12 to 36 inches (30.48 to 91.44 cm).8 to 10 locations per sample areaOfficial guidanceUSU Analytical Labs, Soil Analysis Information Sheet (PDF, Rev. 7/2023)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice from the public land-grant university laboratory for Utah. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
USU Analytical Labs, Soil Analysis Information Sheet, Soil Sampling Procedure (Rev. 7/2023)

Sources

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VermontUnited StatesVermont only. Other states set their own rules.Soil sampling on fields that receive manure or fertilizerRequired Agricultural Practices (RAPs), Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program
  • Repeat At least once in every five years
Not specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedConditionalVermont Required Agricultural Practices Rule (effective November 23, 2018), PDF
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Farms that must follow the RAPs (Section 3.1) but are below the Certified Small Farm Operation threshold of Section 4.1: every field that receives mechanical application of manure, agricultural wastes or fertilizer.
Outside the rule
Certified Small Farm Operations (Section 4.1 sets the livestock numbers, and the more than 50 acres of annual cropland or vegetables with mechanically applied fertilizer, manure or agricultural wastes, that make a farm one) and permitted Medium and Large Farm Operations. They follow a field-by-field nutrient management plan to NRCS Code 590 or an approved equivalent under 6.03(a) instead.
Laboratory and analysis
Modified Morgan extractant, or other equivalent standards approved by the Secretary. Soil analysis records kept on the farm for five years.
In force from
23 November 2018
Legal text
Vermont Required Agricultural Practices Rule for the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program, Section 6.03(c)

Sources

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VermontUnited StatesVermont only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingUVM Extension Agricultural and Environmental Testing Lab, How to Take a Soil Sample
  • Season Before lime, fertilizer or manure is added
Not specifiedZig-zag across an area as uniform as possible in soil type, cropping and fertilizing history, one you expect to fertilize as a unit.Lawns, turf and other perennial sod: 4 to 6 inches (10.16 to 15.24 cm). Annually tilled crops: tillage depth, usually 6 to 10 inches (15.24 to 25.4 cm).At least 15 to 20 for areas larger than a home garden or lawn of up to 10,000 square feet (10 cores minimum for those)Official guidanceUVM Extension, How to Take a Soil Sample (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice from the public land-grant university extension laboratory for Vermont. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
University of Vermont Extension, How to Take a Soil Sample (3/2022)

Sources

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VirginiaUnited StatesVirginia only. Other states set their own rules.Soil analysis behind a nutrient management planNutrient Management Training and Certification Regulations
  • Result valid Dated no more than 3 years before the plan begins
  • Repeat The plan must recommend soil analysis for each field at least once every 3 years
A composite sample should represent up to about 20 acres (8.09 ha). Strip-cropped fields may be combined where soils, cropping history and fertility are similar.Representative results by standard sampling and analysis methods (Methods of Soil Analysis, Part 3, 1996). Subfield grids or management zones may be used.Fields not tilled in the past 3 years: 0 to 4 inches (0 to 10.16 cm). Fields tilled in the past 3 years: 0 to 6 inches (0 to 15.24 cm).Not specifiedConditional4VAC50-85-140, Required nutrient management plan procedures
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Binds certified nutrient management planners, for the plans they write under Virginia’s voluntary certification program. It does not by itself require a farm to sample: a farm is covered only where it follows such a plan, and other laws, permits or contracts decide which farms must have one.
Laboratory and analysis
Mehlich I extraction for phosphorus, or other methods and laboratories approved by the department and correlated to Mehlich I.
In force from
20 November 2014
Legal text
4VAC50-85, Nutrient Management Training and Certification Regulations, 4VAC50-85-140 A 2 f and D 4

Sources

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VirginiaUnited StatesVirginia only. Other states set their own rules.Soil monitoring on animal waste land application sitesVirginia Pollution Abatement (VPA) general permit for animal feeding operations and animal waste management
  • Repeat Once every 3 years (1/3 years)
Not specifiedComposite samples. pH, phosphorus, potash, calcium and magnesium.0 to 6 inches (0 to 15.24 cm), unless the approved nutrient management plan says otherwiseNot specifiedConditional9VAC25-192-70, Contents of the general permit
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Owners of animal feeding operations with 300 or more animal units using a liquid manure collection and storage system, and animal waste end-users (Part III), once the department accepts their registration for the VPA general permit. Applies on their land application sites.
Laboratory and analysis
Methods specified in the approved nutrient management plan. Monitoring data kept on site for five years.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
9VAC25-192, VPA Regulation and General Permit for Animal Feeding Operations and Animal Waste Management, 9VAC25-192-70, Part I A 8 and A 9, Table 2 (Part III repeats them for animal waste end-users)

Sources

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VirginiaUnited StatesVirginia only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingVirginia Cooperative Extension, Soil Sampling Instructions for the Farm
  • Season Fall sampling suggested, so lime can go on before the next season
  • Wait At least 6 to 8 weeks after liming or fertilizing
Areas of 5 to 10 acres (2.02 to 4.05 ha) where fields vary. Precision grids typically 2.5 acres, 1 acre on small fields.Zig-zag across each uniform area. Grid sampling, typically 2.5 acres, or smart sampling by topography, yield or soil map unit.Cropland: plow depth, 6 to 8 inches or more (15.24 to 20.32 cm). Pasture and no-till crop fields: 2 to 4 inches (5.08 to 10.16 cm).20 or more places per field, and at least 5 cores per acre represented. Grid points: 6 to 8 subsamples.Official guidanceVirginia Cooperative Extension SPES-141NP (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice from the public land-grant university extension service for Virginia. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
Virginia Cooperative Extension SPES-141NP, Soil Sampling Instructions for the Farm (2019)

Sources

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WashingtonUnited StatesWashington only. Other states set their own rules.Dairy soil analysis records: yearly postharvest nitrate and a soil analysis every three yearsDairy Nutrient Management Act, recordkeeping
  • Repeat Postharvest soil nitrate nitrogen analysis every year
  • Repeat A current soil analysis every three years (contents under Laboratory)
Not specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedNot specifiedConditionalWAC 16-611-020, Washington State Legislature
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Dairy producers, who must keep records showing that nutrients applied to crop land were within acceptable agronomic rates.
Laboratory and analysis
Three-year analysis: organic matter, pH, ammonium nitrogen, phosphorus (Bray-1 below pH 7, Olsen bicarbonate at pH 7 or above), potassium and electrical conductivity.
In force from
29 November 2012
Legal text
WAC 16-611-020, Recordkeeping requirements (dairy nutrient management), WAC 16-611-020(2)(a)

Sources

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WashingtonUnited StatesWashington only. Other states set their own rules.Soil sampling for dryland winter wheat nutrient managementWSU Extension, Eastern Washington Nutrient Management Guide (dryland winter wheat)Not specifiedNot specifiedA field composite, or 2 to 3 management units by slope, aspect and drainage, each sampled separately.Winter wheat nitrogen: one-foot increments to at least 4 feet (121.92 cm) or a restrictive layer. Phosphorus: the surface foot, 0 to 12 inches (0 to 30.48 cm).Not specifiedOfficial guidanceWSU Extension EB1987E (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice from the public land-grant university extension service for eastern Washington dryland winter wheat. Not law.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
WSU Extension EB1987E, Eastern Washington Nutrient Management Guide (published March 2005, revised July 2013)

Sources

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WisconsinUnited StatesWisconsin only. Other states set their own rules.Routine soil fertility samplingUW Extension A2100, Sampling Soils for Testing
  • Repeat At least every 4 years. Sands and loamy sands every 2 years.
  • Season Any convenient time; fall may be best, so lime and fertilizer advice arrives in time. Hayfields after any cutting. Stay consistent from one year to the next.
One composite per 5 acres (2.02 ha) on responsive fields and fields not sampled in the past 4 years. Fewer samples on nonresponsive fields tested within 4 years (Table 1).W-shaped pattern for a whole field composite. Unaligned grid-point sampling at 200 feet (about 1 acre) or, on nonresponsive fields, 300 feet (2 to 2.5 acres). Zone (smart) sampling.Plow depth or at least 6 inches (15.24 cm). Chisel or disk: three quarters of tillage depth. Ridge till: 6 inches on ridges, 4 in furrows. No-till: 6 to 7 inches (17.78 cm) for fertilizer advice, plus 2 inches for pH if an acid layer is suspected.At least 10 cores per composite. 10 to 20 cores give a more representative sample.Official guidanceUW Extension A2100, Sampling Soils for Testing (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice from the public land-grant university extension service for Wisconsin. Not law in itself; plans prepared to the NRCS 590 standard follow its sampling techniques.
Laboratory and analysis
A Wisconsin certified laboratory, for plans that must follow the NRCS 590 standard.
In force from
Under review
Legal text
University of Wisconsin-Extension A2100, Sampling Soils for Testing (Peters and Laboski, 2013)

Sources

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WyomingUnited StatesWyoming only. Other states set their own rules.Pre-plant soil sampling for dry beans onlyUniversity of Wyoming Extension, Nutrient Management Guidelines for Dry Beans
  • Season Before planting. Sample at the same time of year each time.
Typical approach: one composite from a 20 to 40 acre field (8.09 to 16.19 ha)Not specifiedTillage zone, usually 6 or 8 inches (15.24 or 20.32 cm), for pH, organic matter, N, P, K and micronutrients. For nitrate, a 12 inch (30.48 cm) core split into 0 to 6 and 6 to 12 inches, unless tillage mixes the soil to one foot.15 to 20 random locationsOfficial guidanceUniversity of Wyoming Extension B-1016R (PDF)
Who it applies to and every source
Who it applies to
Advice from the public land-grant university extension service for Wyoming, written for dry bean fields only (its fertilizer tables are for irrigated dry beans). Not other crops. Not law.
In force from
Under review
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University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service B-1016R, Nutrient Management Guidelines for Dry Beans (June 2005)

Sources

Sources re-checked every two months, last update October 2026. Reviewed by GeoPard editorial team.

Чим відрізняються правила

Germany

Germany sets the interval, the federal states set the method

Before substantial nutrient applications, the Fertiliser Ordinance requires a phosphate test at least every six years on each field of 1 ha or more. Depth, cores and area come from the federal state protocol.

Ireland

Ireland sets the cores and the depth in law

Schedule 1 fixes 20 cores to 10 cm and one sample per 4 ha, or 5 ha where soils and cropping were alike for five years.

England

England limits the age of the result, not the grid

Under the Farming Rules for Water, the test results behind a manure or fertiliser plan must be no more than five years old. No grid size, depth or core count is set.

Від правила до плану вибірки

  1. Знайдіть своє правилоКраїна, регіон та поживна речовина, на яку ви випробовуєте.
  2. Перевірте, чи це застосовуєтьсяХто входить до сфери застосування, хто знаходиться поза нею, і чи це закон, чи рекомендації.
  3. Виберіть метод, який він дозволяєСітка або зони, всередині області на зразок, керни та глибина, яку вони встановлюють.
  4. Записати та підтвердитиІдентифікатори полів та зразків на кожному пакеті; деталі уточнюйте у вашій лабораторії або агронома.

Від вимог до відбору проб до точок відбору проб

GeoPard створює плани відбору проб на основі сітки або зон, з керновими або композитними пробами, розміщенням точок, оптимізованим маршрутом, друкованими етикетками зразків, експортом KML та планом на телефоні в польових умовах. Налаштуйте план відповідно до ваших місцевих правил та інструкцій вашої лабораторії.

Планувальник пакетного відбору проб GeoPard: для кожного поля створюється карта зон, на основі якої генеруються точки відбору проб, вибирається зі збережених карт зон поля.
План відбору проб ґрунту в GeoPard: зони управління по всьому полю, точки відбору проб, розміщені в кожній зоні, та маршрут, що їх з'єднує.
Точки відбору проб, розміщені за зонами, з маршрутом, що їх з'єднує.

Записи для перевірок та схем

Інспектор, план управління поживними речовинами або заявка на схему запитують, де ви відбирали проби, коли та що виявила лабораторія. GeoPard зберігає цю інформацію для кожного зразка.

Запланована точкаКоординати кожної точки та зона або комірка сітки, яку представляє кожен зразок.
Зразок, як взятоЧас і місце відбору кожного зразка записувалися на телефон у польових умовах.
ЕтикеткаНомер поля та зразка на кожному мішку, що відповідає плану.
Результат лабораторного дослідженняЗавантажено на тому ж полі та в точках, поруч із картами врожайності, зображеннями та картами застосованого процесу.

План, мітки та результати експортуються разом як один запис. В Ірландії кожен результат, виданий з 14 вересня 2025 року, повинен містити географічну прив'язку або номер LPIS місцевості, яку він представляє. Ви та ваш консультант підтверджуєте роботу відповідно до чинного правила.

Як ми класифікуємо вимоги до відбору проб ґрунту

Рядок є обов’язковим, коли закон застосовується до кожного господарства в його сфері застосування, та умовним, коли він застосовується лише після певної події: господарство вводить програму поживних речовин, приймає норму поголів’я або планує внесення гною чи добрив. Офіційні рекомендації є рекомендацією державного органу та не носять юридичних зобов’язань. Якщо джерело не вказує значення, у клітинці написано «Не вказано, ніколи не використовується число, запозичене з іншої країни».

Частота відбору проб і тривалість дії результату залежать від різних правил. Німеччина встановлює цю частоту: тест на фосфати проводиться принаймні кожні шість років. Англія та Ірландія обмежують термін використання результату. У стовпці «Час» кожен параметр позначено: «Повторити», «Результат дійсний», «Сезон» або «Очікувати».

Підсумок у таблиці допоможе вам знайти правило. Застосовується цитоване формулювання в деталях рядка мовою оригіналу з англійським перекладом.

Редактор: Команда агрономів GeoPard

Джерела: перевіряється повторно кожні два місяці. Останнє оновлення: Жовтень 2026 року

Повідомити про застарілу вимогу: info@geopard.tech

Часті запитання

Як часто мені слід перевіряти свій ґрунт?

Це залежить від правила, яке застосовується до вашого поля. Німеччина вимагає проведення аналізу на фосфати принаймні кожні шість років на кожному полі площею 1 га або більше. Англія вимагає, щоб результати, що використовуються для плану внесення гною або добрив, були не старшими за п'ять років. Ірландія не враховує результати аналізу фосфору після чотирьох років, за винятком випадків, коли показники становлять Індекс 4.

Там, де не застосовується жодне правило, Teagasc радить базувати рекомендації щодо добрив на випробуваннях протягом 4-5 років та відборі проб у період з вересня по березень.

Чи є вибірка сітки обов'язковою за законом?

Не підпадає під жодне правило в таблиці. Ірландія передбачає схему вибірки в межах кожної ділянки площею до 4 га, з окремими зразками там, де ґрунти відрізняються. Нідерланди приймають W-подібну, зигзагоподібну або поперечну схему, або стратифіковану випадкову вибірку. Німеччина залишає метод на розсуд кожної федеральної землі, а Англія не встановлює жодного.

Сітка або зональний план працює скрізь, де вона залишається в межах області для кожного зразка, кернів та глибини застосовного правила.

Чи один зразок такий самий, як один ґрунтовий керн?

Ні. Зразок є композитним: кілька кернів з однієї області, змішаних в один пакет для лабораторії. Ірландська процедура вимагає 20 кернів на зразок; голландський лабораторний метод вимагає щонайменше 40.

Порахуйте зразки для лабораторного рахунку та керни за час, проведений у польових умовах.

Чому в різних країнах існують різні потреби в поживних речовинах?

Оскільки ці правила походять з різних законів, які мають різні цілі. Правила щодо фосфору зазвичай містяться в законах про охорону водних ресурсів і визначають, скільки фосфатів може застосовувати ферма, тому вони фіксують, наскільки старим може бути результат аналізу фосфору. Правила щодо азоту часто вимагають свіжого показника азоту з ґрунту щосезону; Німеччина вимагає його принаймні раз на рік на орних полях і встановлює глибину відбору проб для кожної переліченої овочевої культури.

Читайте рядок для поживної речовини, на яку ви тестуєте, а не для країни в цілому.

Чи може GeoPard створити юридично завірений план?

Ні. GeoPard розміщує точки, прокладає маршрут обходу та друкує позначки для області для кожного зразка, кернів та заданої вами глибини.

Це дає вам запис: кожна запланована точка, час і місце взяття кожного зразка, його етикетка та лабораторний результат, експортовані разом для перевірки або застосування схеми.

Чи відповідає план правилу, маєте перевірити ви, ваш консультант та ваша лабораторія, порівнюючи це з чинним офіційним текстом.

Сплануйте пункти відповідно до застосовного правила

Встановіть площу для кожного зразка, кількість кернів та глибину, яку запитує ваше правило. GeoPard розміщує точки на сітці або за зонами, прокладає маршрут, друкує мітки та переносить план у поле на телефон.

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