I can always get a kit from Whitetail Research but thought local might be available.
Thanks in advance. Bill
happygolucky's Link
sagittarius's Link
Routine Analysis $8 per sample. Includes pH, lime requirement, organic matter by loss on ignition, phosphorus and potassium plus recommendations.
Wildlife Food Plot samples are $15 per sample, but just say Ag. for alfalfa crop at a 2.5 Ton yield.
Optional micronutrient tests: Calcium + Magnesium: $3, Boron: $3, Zinc: $3, Manganese: $3, Sulfur-Sulfate: $3.
Or, you could take it up to the next level... Tissue analysis is the best way to evaluate the nutrient levels of plants in order to correct or prevent nutrient, and micro-nutrient deficiencies. $25 per sample. Includes soil analysis if sample provided. The report will show the concentration of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Mn, B, Cu, Fe, Al, and Na in the plant sample. If a soil was submitted with the plant sample, soil analyses for pH, organic matter, P, K, and any special soil test results will also be reported.
http://uwlab.soils.wisc.edu/plant-tissue/
IF you are trying to keep a clover or alfalfa field going I would say yes but everything else is a waste of money.
Crop rotation is the key. If you need to build the soil I would start with WW. Plant in the fall then turn under in June. Then do the same thing the next fall and spring. Radishes are another good crop to plant so you can bring up your soil.
Last year was the first year in 8 that I planted corn and it grew to over 9ft tall and had huge ears. I used half the recommended fert. This year I am flip flopping where my corn was to where the turnips, radishes and WW.
This is just my opinion but to each their own if you want to drive yourself nuts trying to reach that perfect ph level go for it.
BTW I have sandy soils to boot.
No Doubt. The advantage of soil or plant tissue tests is knowing what nutrient(fertilizer) is being under, or over applied, or missing. With that small investment, you may be able to grow even better plots with lower fertilizer costs. ;-)
But back to the soil test as it was just my opinion and never have had problems growing anything.
Bow Crazy's Link
If you want to maximize your food plots potential (quality and quantity) then I would highly recommend doing soil tests. BC