The success of any crop requires planning and efficient use of all required resources. One of the most important resources in agriculture is fertilizer. Whether it is applied through a commercial product or an organic source such as animal manure, a baseline is needed to enable the producer to efficiently and economically apply any type of fertilizer. Soil testing is the only way to accurately set up this baseline.

The soil testing program in Hardin County has been free to residents since the 1980’s, but it is stronger than ever today. In 2022, Hardin County received 3912 soil samples. Currently, there are 4023 producers registered in the Hardin County Soil Testing Database who either currently use the program, or have used the program in the past. The Soil Testing Program in Hardin County touches a large percentage of the county’s 202,970 acres of farmland each year.

Hardin County Extension continues to grow the soil testing program through outreach and education. The importance of soil testing and proper soil testing techniques are taught at various production meetings and trainings throughout the year. Also, booths are set up at various trade shows and community events throughout the year with literature on soil testing and soil sample bags available for attendees.

In January of 2020, Hardin County began as a beta county for the new KERS based soil test program.  This has allowed Hardin County clientele to provide feedback on the new program, and develop reports that will hopefully be more user friendly, eye appealing and informational to farmers, gardeners and homeowners across the state. This new format has received very favorable reviews from clientele. 

The soil testing program in Hardin County continues to provide outreach and a vital service to producers across the county, creating a link between the farm and the university by providing a vital service to producers.