Why Winter Is the Best Time to Pull Soil Samples in Tennessee
Jan 12, 2026
Winter is the perfect time to dig into what’s happening below the surface of your fields.
Pulling soil samples during the winter can help you plan smarter, manage inputs more efficiently, and head into spring with confidence. The fields are cleared and unused, making the soil conditions ideal for collecting accurate samples.
Your local Co-op can provide soil sample bags to get you started. When your lab results are collected, the staff at your Co-op can help you develop a nutrient management plan, identifying existing nutrients (N, P, K, micronutrients) and pH preventing over or under fertilization. Knowing exactly how much nutrients are already in the soil allows you to apply fertilizer more precisely and improve crop performance while reducing waste.
Regular soil testing helps to monitor changes in the soil quality over time. By comparing results in this way, you can make informed adjustments to fertilizer programs, irrigation practices, and management methods, such as no till farming, cover cropping, or rotational grazing. Failing to track soil health can reduce water retention, harm crop yields, and ultimately impact long-term profitability.
Since plants can only absorb so much nitrogen and phosphorus, the excess fertilizer that is not used will stay on the surface of the soil. That excess is then vulnerable to runoff when it rains.
By knowing your soil’s nutrient needs, you can simultaneously make every bag of fertilizer count. To allow you better budgeting and timing, especially if you are relying on bulk fertilizer purchases.
Early soil sampling can make for easier planning and budgeting for the upcoming year. With results in hand, you can plan fertilizer purchases strategically, taking advantage of early-season pricing and availability. Many local Co-ops offer prepaid fertilizer programs, giving farmers the ability to secure the products they need before spring demands peak.
When you take time to pull soil samples during the winter you set the foundation for a strong crop year. With accurate data in hand, you can build a fertilizer plan tailored to each field, applying nutrients efficiently, avoiding waste, and supporting both crop health and soils sustainability. Your local Co-op team is ready to help interpret your results, recommend the proper fertilizer regimen, and turn soil data into an actionable plan.
Pulling soil samples during the winter can help you plan smarter, manage inputs more efficiently, and head into spring with confidence. The fields are cleared and unused, making the soil conditions ideal for collecting accurate samples.
Your local Co-op can provide soil sample bags to get you started. When your lab results are collected, the staff at your Co-op can help you develop a nutrient management plan, identifying existing nutrients (N, P, K, micronutrients) and pH preventing over or under fertilization. Knowing exactly how much nutrients are already in the soil allows you to apply fertilizer more precisely and improve crop performance while reducing waste.
Regular soil testing helps to monitor changes in the soil quality over time. By comparing results in this way, you can make informed adjustments to fertilizer programs, irrigation practices, and management methods, such as no till farming, cover cropping, or rotational grazing. Failing to track soil health can reduce water retention, harm crop yields, and ultimately impact long-term profitability.
Since plants can only absorb so much nitrogen and phosphorus, the excess fertilizer that is not used will stay on the surface of the soil. That excess is then vulnerable to runoff when it rains.
By knowing your soil’s nutrient needs, you can simultaneously make every bag of fertilizer count. To allow you better budgeting and timing, especially if you are relying on bulk fertilizer purchases.
Early soil sampling can make for easier planning and budgeting for the upcoming year. With results in hand, you can plan fertilizer purchases strategically, taking advantage of early-season pricing and availability. Many local Co-ops offer prepaid fertilizer programs, giving farmers the ability to secure the products they need before spring demands peak.
When you take time to pull soil samples during the winter you set the foundation for a strong crop year. With accurate data in hand, you can build a fertilizer plan tailored to each field, applying nutrients efficiently, avoiding waste, and supporting both crop health and soils sustainability. Your local Co-op team is ready to help interpret your results, recommend the proper fertilizer regimen, and turn soil data into an actionable plan.