Soil Testing: 7 Steps to Success

FarmCo Team
March 3, 2026

Anyone who wants to grow healthy robust crops on their farm and to get better value from their fertiliser spend will have an interest in soil nutrient levels and soil health.

Soil testing is in fact a fairly simple and an extremely valuable diagnostic and monitoring process.

We recommend consulting with FarmCo Moora Agronomist Helen Lethlean to discuss whether your farm needs additional tests such as deep soil nitrogen tests. Luckily in most cases, soil nutrients are concentrated in the top 10cm of soil, so usually you only have to take your samples to this depth and follow the below simple 7 step process.

Pick a soil testing service. FarmCo Moora can provide you with a free soil sampling kit and even do the soil sampling for you, with a fee simply charged for the analysis of your samples. The larger fertiliser companies like CSBP offer free soil testing to some clients, or again, reasonably priced soil testing to clients who aren’t eligible for the free service. These companies can also even take the soil test for you in some cases, or provide you with free sampling bags and a soil sampling tube. They will also go through your soil sampling report with you. Alternatively, there are a number of other companies like Eurofins Australian Precision Ag Laboratory that provide soil testing kits and independent accredited soil testing services, with results returned within 8 working days. Their reports indicate your soil’s nutrient levels against desirable levels for the crop you would like to grow and they also offer an interpretation guide.
Pick the right time to collect samples. Most comparisons are based on midsummer (January to March) sampling when the soil is dry. This is because changes in soil moisture, plant growth and the decomposition of organic matter all affect soil nutrient levels.
Plan regular tests to build better knowledge. Testing the soil at the same time each year improves the comparison of results between years and builds a clear profile of soil health over time. Send your samples to the same provider or laboratory for testing as reporting results from different laboratories makes comparison more difficult.
Ensure samples are representative. You will need samples from across your paddock. Common sense applies here; avoid sampling wet soil or near fences, trees, troughs, headlands, dams, stock tracks, clumps of manure, fertiliser dumps and burnt heaps.
Remember to account for variability. If your paddock has variations in soil type, depth, slope and nutrient levels, take separate samples from each area so that different areas can be individually analysed.
Set a sampling site pattern & collect your samples. Use a map or a GPS to record where you have taken your representative samples, so you can take them in the same area in the future and monitor soil health changes over time. Use a clean spade or trowel and clean buckets if you don’t have access to a soil sampling tube. Take at least five samples per hectare (preferably more) in a grid pattern across the area. For each soil type or testing area, thoroughly mix your samples with a clean trowel (not with your hands) and fill your sample bag. Label your sample bag clearly and send it off in the pre-paid pack provided with your kit. If you are using a paid service, you will pay a fee for the analysis of each sample, with a comprehensive analysis costing more than an analysis only covering certain nutrients.
Interpret the results. This is the fun part! If you want to discuss your report or need any further soil health information call us on 1300 327 626 and chat to FarmCo Moora’s Agronomist Helen Lethlean. We provide end to end support across all aspects of agronomy, including crop rotation and planning, weed, disease and pest management, and soil health/nutrition.