Apply now for soil sampling program

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana farmers can now apply for free soil testing through the Mississippi River Basin Soil Sampling Program.

Offered through the Indiana State Department of Agriculture and state conservation partners, the initiative helps growers optimize fertilizer use, boost yields and reduce nutrient runoff.

Program Highlights

Cost: Free.

Application window: Now through Nov. 6, or until funds run out.

Best suited for: Pastures, hay fields and specialty crop acreage — 50 acres or fewer — in Indiana’s Mississippi River Basin, especially fields that haven’t been sampled in the last three years.

Exclusions: Hobby gardens and lawns.

The Mississippi River Basin Soil Sampling Program is a no-cost initiative to expand the use of soil sampling as a nutrient management practice.

“Soil sampling and testing is a very important tool for farmers to use when assessing their soil health,” said Don Lamb, director of the ISDA.

“By understanding what the soil actually needs, farmers could avoid buying unnecessary fertilizers or amendments, which can help reduce costs over time.”

Learn more at isda.in.gov or reach out to Ophelia Norman, nutrient stewardship program manager, at soilsampling@isda.in.gov.