Soil test wet fields in winter

Fields that were excessively wet in 2010 may not have the soil nutrient reserves growers expect. A soil test is recommended. If fields were too wet for soil test equipment in the fall, sampling may work better when the topsoil has frozen enough to drive on. Breaking through the top few inches of frozen ground is a challenge, but many Saskatchewan soil service operators are busy taking samples this week. Auger-style probes in particular can take samples in wet, dry, crusted and frozen soils — although the deeper the ground is frozen, the more difficult the job. Click here for more on why fall (and winter) soil tests are important.