Filling out a soil submission form correctly is an important step in making sure you get the right interpretation of your soil test results. Below is a run-down on how to fill out the Bahia and producer soil submission forms. If you need additional help, or have questions, please contact your local county Extension agent.
Soil submission forms can be found online at Extension Soil Testing Laboratory – Soil Testing Services – University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences – UF/IFAS (ufl.edu)
Bahia Soil Submission Form:
The Bahia Submission Form should accompany all soil tests used for Bahiagrass pastures. For forage crops other than Bahiagrass use the producer submission form.
County: Write the name of the county that your property is in. The agent that is responsible for pastures in that county will also receive a copy of your soil test results and will be a good resource if you have any questions. Their name and contact information will be on your results should you have questions or need additional help.
Test(s) Requested: Most producers will select test code 15 which provides pH, lime requirement, K, Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Mn, and Zn for establishment of new pastures or pH, lime requirement, K, Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Mn, Zn, and P (test value only) for established pastures. If you suspect that your soil is low in P, and you would like a P recommendation, then you need to submit plant tissue in addition to soil. In this case you would select test B15 which provides values and recommendations for pH, lime, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Mn, Zn, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and B. Tests are also available for pH and lime requirement only (test 2), organic matter (test 4) and electrical conductivity (test 5). Note that tests 2, 4, and 5 do not include any nutrient information.
Crop Codes: Use crop code 35 if you are planting a new pasture. In this case you will also select test 15 as there is no tissue currently available to test. If you have an established bahiagrass pasture use crop code 36. You may then elect to use test code 15 if you want to only submit soil for testing or test code B15 and submit plant tissue in addition to the soil. For crop code 36 you will need to indicate your N-option as well.
N-Option: Nitrogen recommendations are provided based on research, how intensively your pasture is grazed, and whether you cut hay, haylage, or lift sod from the field. Your soil test results will indicate the recommended pounds of nitrogen required per growing season based on use. For crop code 36 (established pastures) you will need to indicate the current use of your pasture in order to get the best nitrogen recommendation. Circle “L” if you are grazing under normal conditions and want to minimize your fertilizer inputs. Select “M” if you are stocking your pastures with moderate intensity and require more production from your forage. Select “H” if you are grazing intensively or maxing out your stocking rates. Select “Hay” if you are cutting hay (even a single cutting), cutting haylage, or lifting sod from the pasture.
Estimated Acreage: Estimate the amount of acreage included in your sample area. This is for the soil lab’s records and will not impact your results.
Sample ID for Soil: Write down whatever name you used to identify your sampling area (should match the label on the bag). Be sure to record the field ID for later interpretation.
Sample ID for Leaf Tissue: If you selected test B15 and are submitting tissue samples for a phosphorus recommendation, write down whatever name you used to identify your sampling area (should match the label on the soil bag and the tissue bag). Otherwise write N/A.
Cost: Record the cost for each sample. Page two of the sample form has the current cost of each test included in the test code table. Add your total costs at the bottom of the form and make your check or money order payable to the University of Florida for the total amount due.
Producer Soil Submission Form:
The producer form is used for all pasture forages grown in Florida excluding Bahiagrass. Below is a rundown on how to properly fill out the Bermudagrass form.
Sample ID for Soil: Write down whatever name you used to identify your sampling area (should match the label on the bag). Be sure to record the field ID for later interpretation.
County: Write the name of the county that your property is in. The agent that is responsible for pastures in that county will also receive a copy of your soil test results and will be a good resource for you if you have any questions. Their name and contact information will be on your results should you have questions or need additional help.
Estimated Acreage: Estimate the amount of acreage included in your sample area. This is for the soil lab’s records and will not impact your results.
Crop Code: There are a lot of crops covered under the producer form. For a complete list see the second page of the submission form. Pasture and forage crops are included under agronomic crops. For bermudagrass use crop code 25 (improved perennial grasses other bahia). For annual ryegrass use crop code 26 (cool season annual grasses).
Test Code: Most producers select test code 15 (standard soil fertility test) which will yield pH and lime requirement as well as information on how much P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Mn, and Zn your soil has and how much may need to be added as fertilizer. Test code 2 will provide the pH and lime requirement only. Test 3 will give information on organic matter and test 4 on electrical conductivity (an indication of salt content of the soil).
Cost: Record the cost for each sample. Page two of the sample form has the cost of each test included in the test code table. Add your total costs at the bottom of the form and make your check or money order payable to the University of Florida for the total amount due.
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