Soil Testing 2027

Underwood Conservation District offers technical assistance to residents of west Klickitat and Skamania Counties on soil, manure, and compost nutrient testing. Maintaining good soil fertility is crucial for growing quality crops and forage, and soil testing helps landowners learn more about their soil condition and better manage nutrient applications.  Contact James at james@ucdwa.org for more information about proper soil testing techniques and lab report interpretation.  Also, consider using soil testing tools available at our Farm Tool Library.

Keep up to date with our newsletter about soil testing funding for spring 2027. You can fill out our Soil Testing Form to get on a list if funding become available.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact James at james@ucdwa.org or 509-493-1936 ext. 7.

Here are techniques to follow to obtain the meaningful soil test you are looking for:

• Use a clean sampling tool to collect 2 pounds of soil.

• Sample your field at 10 different locations, and then mix soil to ensure that your sample is representative of your entire field.

• Before collecting each subsample, scrape away surface residue then collect your sample between 0-12 inches, or the depth of tillage. A deeper sample may be even better for deep rooting crops.

• Sample at the proper time of year, usually either fall or spring depending on your crop.

Most tests will include the following results:

• Ammonium Nitrogen and Nitrate Nitrogen

• pH and Organic Matter Content

• Macronutrients: Phosphorous and Potassium

• Micronutrients: Boron, Zinc, Manganese, Copper and Iron

To view a sample report, click HERE. To view a soil test interpretation guide, click HERE.

If you would like to purchase a soil test independently, A&L Western Lab is one option.  Search for other accredited labs in the area here.