Soil testing can save money for farmers and homeowners as it is a chemical summary of their soil. It allows them to receive an insight into the insignificant and significant issues involving the number of nutrients needed for various plants to grow. Once the soil sample is collected and sent to The UK Soils Laboratory, they will then analyze and recommend what if any amount of nutritional supplements need to be added to the soil. Each sample is analyzed for calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), zinc (Zn), and fertilizer suggestions are made depending on the specific plant.

As a service that the Knott County Extension District Board has been providing Soil testing to its community for at least the past ten years as they have financially backed the program. The board does this as a service to the public to assist them and away to encourage them in maintaining their soil. Each landowner then has the information needed to make the best out of their land, whether it be used for growing various produce, raising livestock to just having a well-maintained yard. By providing the free soil tests, it gives the Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent an insight into what kind of other services that may be needed or wanted. This contact between client and agent provides an opportunity for a conversation starter, allowing each of them the chance to ask about other agriculture practices.

By using this service of soil testing, it not only points out potential savings on fertilizer but can also prevent runoff from excessive fertilizer use. Which, in return, helps us to protect our environment in which we all live. The Knott County Agriculture and Natural Resources agent promotes the use of soil testing through newsletters, various meetings/workshops throughout the year, during the months of the Farmer's Market, and even on individual site visits with clients. Over the last ten years, almost 1,000 soil samples have been provided to Knott County residents, saving thousands of dollars and improving soil health by providing the nutrients needed to better their lawns, gardens, and forages.