Free Soil Health Testing for Florida Ranchers

The Soil Health Laboratory from the Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences Department at the University of Florida is offering a one-time, free soil health test for livestock producers in Florida. The primary goal of this initiative is to conduct a baseline survey of the soil health conditions of Florida ranchlands. Additionally, the data will be utilized to test the rapid assessment of soil health conditions using infrared spectroscopy. This initiative is funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and the UF/IFAS Archer Grant – Free Ranchland Soil Health Test

We invite ranchers to submit two samples: one from their most productive pasture and another from their least productive pasture. Depending on the budget, we may accommodate additional samples. After signing up, ranchers will receive a prepaid label for shipping the samples. The samples will be subsampled and sent to the UF/IFAS Extension Soil Testing Laboratory for a standard nutrient and lime requirement tests. They will also be analyzed for biochemical soil health indicators, such as organic matter and active carbon. Results will be returned to the ranchers, accompanied with a guide interpreting the results. Please note that the soil health analysis requires a longer turnaround time than the standard Extension Soil Testing Laboratory.

To sign up, please register for this program through the following link:

Ranchland Soil Health Program Participation Registration

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For questions contact Yang Lin,  Soil Heath Specialist, UF/IFAS Soil and Water Sciences Department via email ylin2@ufl.edu or by phone (352) 294-3125.

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