INDIANAPOLIS – Hoosier farmers in most of the state have until Nov. 1 to apply for a free soil sampling program from the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA).

Indiana’s Mississippi River Basin Soil Sampling Program includes row crop, pasture, hay and specialty crop fields within the state’s portion of the basin, the agency said in a release.

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“There are several reasons why landowners should consider having their soil tested,” she explained. “One of those reasons being it provides valuable information to help evaluate the health and quality of your land. This could include helping determine baseline fertility status for new landowners, provide guidance for nutrient application recommendations, avoid excessive application of nutrients, measure change in soil fertility over time, and help develop plans for application rates of lime and other nutrients needed to enhance plant growth.”

The same program was offered last year. Close to 400 landowners, representing more than 21,000 acres, participated, Davis said.

“Farmers’ bottom lines are tighter than ever, so this free program will be welcomed again with open arms,” ISDA Director Don Lamb said in a release. “Last year’s free soil sampling program was so successful we had to close program sign-ups sooner than anticipated to ensure we had enough available resources, so we are beyond excited to bring this program back to Hoosier farmers this fall.”

For this year’s program, participating landowners need to be willing to sign-up 100 acres or less, Davis said. Prioritization will be given to fields that have never been sampled, followed by fields that haven’t been sampled in the last four years, she said.

Sign-up for the program began Sept. 23, and during the first week, about 1,000 acres were registered, she noted. “(This) is encouraging as it shows there is a need and landowners are serious about being good stewards of their acreage,” Davis pointed out.

The program is meant to demonstrate the importance of soil sampling and the valuable information it can provide, ISDA said. The program focuses on soil sampling and testing because it is a key component, and first step, of developing a plan for nutrient management, the agency said.

The expense of sampling multiple fields can add up quickly for landowners, Davis said.

The cost includes the testing process, sample/testing materials, postage and shipping, Davis added.

“This program is a great opportunity for landowners to learn more about their acreage and inform their decisions around soil fertility and nutrient management practices,” she said. “And, bar none – it’s hard to beat something that is free and offered at no cost to landowners.”

Davis said landowners with questions may contact her at 317-232-0305 or soilsampling@isda.in.gov.

Landowners may sign up at https://www.in.gov/isda/divisions/soil-conservation/indiana-soil-sampling-program/.