How to Test Pasture Soil

The health of livestock often depends on the health of the pasture on which they graze. Pasture quality can affect milk production in dairy cows and meat quality in beef cattle. A pasture that's not healthy also means decreased profits for the livestock owner who will have to purchase food to supplement. A healthy pasture will have few weeds and will provide quality nutrition. The most important step in having a healthy pasture is to perform a soil test.

Things You'll Need

  • Soil coring tool or shovel
  • Plastic bucket
  • Soil test
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pick up a soil testing kit at your county's extension office. Find telephone numbers for your local extension office in the phone book under "County government."

    • 2

      Divide pasture into sampling areas no larger than 20 acres each.

    • 3

      Collect 15 to 20 samples by traveling in a zigzag pattern across the 20-acre area.

    • 4

      At each sampling spot, scrape away organic material. Use a soil corer tool or dig a hole 6 to 7 inches deep. Collect a slice of soil from the side of the hole. Avoid areas near feed troughs, animal droppings and urine spots.

    • 5

      Mix soil samples together in a clean plastic bucket and fill soil test box according to package directions. Mail soil test to address provided.