Indiana Soil Sampling Program Supports Farmers at No Cost

By Andi Anderson

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA), in partnership with the Gulf Hypoxia Program (GHP), has launched a free soil sampling initiative for farmers. Named Indiana’s Mississippi River Basin Soil Sampling Program, this initiative aims to enhance soil health and promote effective nutrient management practices.

Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith emphasized Indiana’s leadership in soil conservation, stating that programs like this help farmers maintain fertile land for future generations. The initiative follows the 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework, which encourages using the “Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, and Right Place” approach to maximize efficiency.

Soil sampling plays a critical role in evaluating fertility levels and guiding fertilizer applications. This practice not only boosts crop yields but also minimizes nutrient runoff, benefiting both farm profitability and environmental conservation.

ISDA Director Don Lamb highlighted the importance of affordability in soil testing, noting that this program ensures more farmers can participate in sustainable land management.

The program is open to row crop fields, pastures, hay, and specialty crops within Indiana’s portion of the Mississippi River Basin.

Priority is given to landowners with 100 acres or less, fields that have never been sampled, or those not tested in the last four years. Hobby gardens and private lawns are not eligible.

Interested farmers can apply through ISDA’s website or contact soilsampling@isda.in.gov for more details. This initiative marks another step in Indiana’s commitment to soil conservation and nutrient management.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-sasiistock