When can/should I do a soil test?

[Monsterbuck]

I bought a farm last year and have not had a soil test done yet.

I asked the farmer who has been cash renting the ground about doing one recently and he downplayed the need to do one. I feel for the minimal cost I should have it tested.

I plan on custom hiring him to plant corn this year rather than cash renting and planting a couple of acres of the 16 acre field in clover and brassicas.

When can I take my soil samples? Right now I am sure the ground will be frozen. When things thaw it will be pretty muddy I assume for a while. Can they test muddy soil and can you really get a mix of several samples if the soil is not dry?

 

[Monsterbuck]

I should add that the farmer wants me to have fertilizer applied before thaw if that affects the sample.

Also if I find out I need lime can it be applied in the spring before planting or will I have to wait till fall?