Can You Do a Soil Test in the Winter? A Winter Soil Testing Guide by Keg River
Yes, you can absolutely conduct a soil test in the winter—and it’s actually the perfect time to do so. But here’s something you need to know: what you discover through winter soil testing can make all the difference in your crop yield.
The insights from soil testing laboratories and soil testing labs might surprise you, especially when it comes to soil health. But it all starts with taking soil samples and soil cores. Trust us, this step could be the key to a thriving season ahead!
Why Winter Soil Testing Matters
Soil test in early winter is the best time to prepare your soil for a productive growing season. Even though your crops are taking a break, your soil is still working. Testing it now sets you up for success when it matters most.
Here’s why testing now matters:
Avoid the Spring Rush: Spring is busy with planting and fertilizing. There’s already so much to do. With winter soil testing, you get a head start. No scrambling, no guessing—just a clear plan in place before the season begins.
Save Money on Fertilizers: Why waste money on fertilizers your soil doesn’t actually need? Winter soil testing helps you focus on using just the right nutrients, in the right spots.
Build a Strong Foundation for Healthy Crops: Healthy soil means healthy crops. Winter is the best time to fix pH levels, add nutrients, or improve organic matter.
There’s no better feeling than going into spring with a solid plan. Winter soil testing clears any uncertainty and surprises, so you know exactly what steps to take. It’s one less thing to worry about when the busy season hits.
How To Conduct A Soil Test In Winter
Winter is the perfect time to test your soil and get your fields ready for a successful spring. A simple soil test can help you understand what your soil needs—whether it’s nutrients, sulfur, or a pH adjustment. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Take Multiple Soil Samples
Put on your gloves, grab a soil probe or auger, and some plastic bags or sample containers. To get accurate results, take 2–3 subsamples per acre and combine them into a composite sample. Each composite sample should represent no more than 10 acres.
For consistent results, collect 20–30 representative samples from areas with similar soil conditions and management history. Avoid irregular spots, such as fence rows, manure piles, or wet areas, unless tested separately.
- For conventional fields, dig 6–8 inches deep, where plant roots grow, to get a representative sample of the soil profile.
- For no-till fields, take two separate depth samples: 0–1 inch (to check surface pH) and 1–6 inches (for deeper analysis). If surface pH (0–1 inch) is below 6.0, a limestone application may be needed to balance soil acidity.
Step 2: Label and Store Your Soil Samples Properly
Once you’ve collected your soil samples, label each bag with the date and location. This helps you stay organized when reviewing your soil test results later. Store your samples in a cool, dry place—between 41°F and 50°F (5°C and 10°C) works best. Just be sure to avoid freezing to protect accuracy.
Step 3: Send Your Samples for Soil Testing or Use a Test Kit
For each management unit, use the same soil extraction method every time you take a sample and send them to the same lab. A lab will give you a detailed report on nutrients, pH levels, sulfur, and soil acidity. Just note that sulfur testing isn’t always straightforward, so keep that in mind. We recommend consulting a local Agronomist to interpret the results.
Step 4: Apply the Right Soil Amendments
Use your soil test results to apply the right products before spring. If your pH is high or sulfur is lacking, this is a good time to apply degradable bentonite sulfur to improve soil health and nutrient availability.
Apply soil amendments in winter for lower input costs, long-term logistical benefits and less workload in the spring.
As noted in the blog, “In many areas where there is known sulphur deficiency, farmers may regularly build up sulphur levels by adding a degradable elemental sulphur product to their fertilizer blend”
Efficient Soil Nutrient Management
Soil testing, whether through kits or labs, provides valuable insights into key elements like soil pH, organic matter, and the levels of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, calcium, and magnesium. However, nutrient availability is not just about quantity—it’s also influenced by soil pH.
Soil pH affects how well plants can absorb nutrients. For example, phosphorus availability is highest when soil pH is between 5.5 and 7. If pH falls outside this range, phosphorus can become fixed in the soil, making it less accessible to crops. Similarly, microbes responsible for nitrogen fixation are highly sensitive to pH, with fixation slowing significantly when pH drops below 5.0. Extreme pH levels can also alter the absorption of other nutrients, impacting plant growth and crop yields.
Keg River’s bentonite sulfur fertilizers help address this challenge by naturally adjusting soil pH. With balanced pH levels, fertilizer recommendations become more precise, ensuring plants receive the right mix of nutrients for stronger growth, improved disease resistance, and higher yields. Soil microbes oxidize bentonite sulfur creating zones of biological acidity in the soil to lower pH.
Check out our animated video to get a clear picture of how bentonite elemental sulfur breaks down in the soil.
How Keg River Supports Soil Testing In Winter
We’re dedicated to helping farmers get the most out of every growing season, starting with the winter months. We understand that every farm is different, which is why our team can partner with your fertilizer dealer and agronomist to find the best solution for your specific needs. Plus, we’re committed to supporting you with dependable service and efficient logistics, making sure your fertilizer arrives when and where you need it—regardless of the weather. We take pride in the strong relationships we’ve built with farmers by offering not just quality products, but proven expertise and reliable technical support you can trust. Even when the ground is covered in snow, we’re here to help you lay a strong foundation for the season ahead.
Plan for a Productive Spring
Thinking about winter soil testing? Don’t wait—ensure your soil is primed for success with Keg River’s premium bentonite sulfur fertilizers. Our expert team is here to guide you through soil testing and product selection, so your crops get the nutrients they need to thrive.
Reach out to us to discover how our expertise can turn your vision into reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is winter an ideal season for conducting soil tests?
Winter soil testing provides insights into pH, nutrient levels, and acidity, helping address plant needs early. It ensures your soil is prepared for the upcoming season.
How does soil testing ensure long-term success in farming?
Soil testing with kits or labs provides a comprehensive analysis of nutrient deficiencies. Accurate results enable precise soil management with amendments like bentonite sulfur.
What key factors ensure accurate soil test interpretation?
Accurate soil testing depends on proper sampling from multiple spots to represent the entire field. In a field with high variability, it may require zone or grid sampling as opposed to composite sampling. Understanding soil type, acidity, and organic matter helps create an effective plan for healthy growth.
What does soil analysis cost, and how does it compare to future benefits?
Soil analysis costs vary, but the long-term benefits outweigh these initial expenses. The insights from a soil test report can lead to targeted fertilizer use and improved crop yield, saving time and resources.