Soil sampling program available for Hoosier farmers

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) and partners throughout the state have worked with the Gulf Hypoxia Program (GHP) to develop a no-cost program that focuses on increasing soil sampling knowledge and using it as a nutrient management practice to benefit farm operations. Indiana’s Mississippi River Basin Soil Sampling Program is now open for applicants.

“Indiana is a leader in soil conservation and that is thanks to programs like this one,” said Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture. “This funding will support our Hoosier farmers and landowners looking to increase soil conservation efforts on their farms, which we know will help them keep their soil fertile and healthy for generations to come.”

ISDA emphasizes the significance of nutrient management and the principles of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework. The 4R framework involves utilizing the “Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, and Right Place” to meet cropping system objectives. This program prioritizes soil sampling and testing as they are essential components and the first steps in developing a nutrient management plan. Soil sampling assesses the soil’s fertility, which can inform fertilizer application recommendations, track available nutrients over time, increase farmer profitability, and enhance environmental protection by minimizing the risk of nutrient loss. This project was created to advance Indiana’s State Nutrient Reduction Strategy efforts.

“As a farmer myself, I know firsthand how much time, money and effort goes into soil testing on farms,” said ISDA Director Don Lamb. “This program is crucial for Hoosier farmers and landowners to be able to afford soil conservation efforts and nutrient stewardship which are integral on their farms. I am thankful for this funding and for our team and partners who make this soil conservation initiative a success year after year.”

This program includes row crop fields, pastures, hay, and specialty crops located within Indiana’s portion of the Mississippi River Basin. Eligible landowners will be prioritized based on enrolled acreage (i.e., 100 acres or less), fields that have never been soil sampled, and fields that haven’t been sampled regularly (i.e., within the last four years). Further prioritization may be based on ISDA’s workload capacity. This program excludes hobby gardens and private lawns. Interested landowners can sign up online at ISDA’s website or by contacting soilsampling@isda.in.gov.

Sign-ups begin Monday, Feb. 24, and ISDA will accept registrations until Friday, April 4, or until funds are exhausted. 

This program was made possible thanks to ISDA, Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana Corn Marketing Council, Indiana Agriculture Nutrient Alliance (IANA), Indiana Conservation Partnership (ICP) members, farmers, and crop advisors.