🌱When Should You Sample for the Haney Test? Frequently Asked Questions

One of the most common questions I get about the Haney Soil Health Test is “When should I pull samples?” The answer depends on your location, management practices, and what you want the test to tell you. Below are some frequently asked questions that combine practical field guidance with sampling best practices.

1. When is the best time of year to pull samples?

If you’re further north, fall sampling can work well—especially if you’re banding phosphorus and potassium (P & K) or doing fall fertility applications.

Many growers pull Haney tests in the fall to guide spring fertility recommendations.

In warmer climates, you can sample later in winter or early spring and still have time for results before planting. The Haney Test typically has about a two-week turnaround, so plan to sample early enough for results before your pre-plant or side-dress applications.

2. What if my ground is fallow over winter?

If your soil sits fallow, expect to lose some nitrate-nitrogen before spring through:

• Leaching from rainfall and snowmelt

• Runoff during thaw

• Volatilization in compacted or anaerobic zones

That means the nitrogen level you measured in fall will likely be lower by spring.

3. How does a cover crop affect my results?

If you have a cover crop growing, nitrogen will be held in the biomass rather than lost. As the cover crop decomposes, it slowly releases nitrogen and other nutrients back into the system.

In that case:

• Front-load a small nitrogen amount at planting, then

• Pull another Haney test before your side-dress or topdress to measure how much has been released by biology.

This approach helps fine-tune your in-season fertility program.

4. Should I use a nitrogen stabilizer?

Yes—especially when applying over 15 gallons per acre in any one pass.

A stabilizer helps retain nitrogen in a plant-available form longer.

If you’re using large nitrogen rates, add a quart of fulvic or humic carbon to help balance the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio.

Contrary to popular belief, carbon doesn’t hold onto inorganic fertilizer nitrogen—it balances biological activity and nutrient flow in the soil.

5. Does the time of day matter when sampling?

Generally, no. However, in cold climates, sample when the soil temperature is around 50°F or warmer.

Microbial respiration slows when soil is cold, and that can affect your CO₂-C (soil respiration) values. Lower respiration simply means your microbes are less active—not that your soil is unhealthy.

If your soil is frozen or below 40°F, wait until it warms up a bit for the most accurate biological readings.

6. How do I physically collect Haney soil samples?

According to Regen Ag Lab’s Soil Health Sampling Guidelines:

• Use a clean, rust-free soil probe, spade, or shovel. Avoid lubricants like WD-40 that can skew results.

• Remove all residue and vegetation before sampling.

• Collect from representative areas of the field—similar soil types, topography, and cover. Avoid obvious problem spots.

• Maintain consistent sampling depth (commonly 0–6” or 0–8”). Insert the probe vertically at a 90° angle and twist slightly before removing.

• Combine at least 10 cores per sample area. Mix thoroughly and send about two cups of soil in a plastic-lined paper or plastic bag.

• Label clearly with sample ID, depth, test type, and contact information. Use permanent marker before you start sampling.

🧭 Pro Tip: If your field has multiple soil types (say, 50%, 30%, and 20%), take samples from each area in similar proportion for a representative field average.

7. How should I store and ship samples?

Haney Test samples do not require refrigeration or ice packs unless you’re also requesting PLFA testing.

• Keep samples in a cool, shaded place for up to two days before shipping.

• If holding longer, store in the fridge for up to two weeks or freezer for extended time.

• Ship with your completed submittal form via standard 2–3-day carrier.

Avoid storing wet samples in hot vehicles or direct sunlight—microbial activity can change quickly under warm, anaerobic conditions.

8. How often should I test?

The key to meaningful Haney Test data is consistency.

Test at the same time each year—whether fall or pre-plant—so you can compare results accurately.

Over time, you’ll start recognizing how your management changes impact soil health, nutrient availability, and biological activity. That’s when the Haney Test becomes a true management tool, not just a lab number.

9. How long does it take to get results back?

Expect a two-week turnaround from most laboratories. This timing lets you make informed fertility decisions for pre-plant, in-season, or side-dress applications.

Takeaway

Pull your Haney samples with purpose—based on your crop plan, nitrogen strategy, and soil temperature, not just the calendar.

Whether you’re using cover crops, stabilizers, or split applications, consistency and proper handling are the keys to getting the most value from your test.

Want to learn more about interpreting Haney results or integrating PLFA and TND testing into a unified soil health framework?

Visit SoilRegen.com or contact our team—we’re here to help you turn data into decisions for better soil health and profitability

National Soil Health Day: Because Life Starts in the Soil

June 23rd marks National Soil Health Day, a day to pause and appreciate the living foundation beneath our feet. Soil isn’t just dirt—it's a dynamic, living ecosystem teeming with microbes, fungi, roots, insects, and organic matter that all work together to sustain life above ground.

At Soil Regen, we know that healthy soil is essential—not just for productive farms, but for clean water, resilient food systems, biodiversity, and human health. When we support soil health, we’re investing in the future of our communities and our planet.

Why Soil Health Matters:

• Soil is alive. One tablespoon of healthy soil can contain billions of microorganisms that drive nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration.

• Healthy soils grow healthier food. Soils rich in biology and organic matter help produce nutrient-dense crops, which in turn nourish healthier people.

• Water resilience starts underground. Soils with good structure and organic matter absorb and retain water, reducing runoff, erosion, and drought impacts.

• Climate-smart solutions begin in the soil. Regeneratively managed soils store carbon and buffer against extreme weather events.

Whether you're a farmer regenerating your land, a gardener improving your backyard beds, or a consumer making informed food choices, soil health connects us all.

How You Can Support Soil Health:

• Choose food grown through regenerative practices.

• Compost and reduce synthetic inputs in your garden.

• Learn about soil biology and why it's critical to long-term productivity.

• Support policies and initiatives that prioritize soil stewardship.

• Join at us at one of our upcoming events. www.agsoilregen.com/events

Let’s keep working together—farmers, scientists, businesses, and communities—to build healthy soils and healthy futures. Because life truly starts in the soil.

#NationalSoilHealthDay #SoilRegen #HealthySoilHealthyPeople #RegenerativeAg

The Role of Regeneration in Building Resilient Agriculture Systems

In recent years, agriculture has faced numerous challenges, including climate change, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss. To combat these issues, farmers and researchers are turning their attention toward regenerative practices. This approach not only aims to restore ecosystems but also builds resilient agriculture systems that can withstand future adversities. In this blog post, we’ll explore the critical role of regeneration in agriculture and its potential to create sustainable solutions for the future.

Understanding Resilient Agriculture

Resilient agriculture refers to farming practices that enhance the ability of agricultural systems to adapt to environmental, economic, and social changes. This adaptability can be achieved through various methods, including crop diversification, agroforestry, and sustainable soil and water management.

Statistics show that resilient agriculture systems can improve food security. According to a UN report, agriculture that incorporates resilient practices can produce up to 30% more food in times of drought. Moreover, resilient systems foster healthier ecosystems, allowing both crops and wildlife to thrive.

The essence of resilient agriculture lies in its focus on diversity. Diversity in cropping systems, whether through crop rotations or diverse cover crops, improves soil nutrients and decreases vulnerability to pests. These methods not only improve yields but also preserve local biodiversity.

The Importance of Soil Regeneration

Soil is often referred to as the foundation of agriculture. Healthy soil supports plant growth, stores water, and acts as a habitat for countless organisms. However, conventional farming practices have led to significant soil degradation worldwide. This is where regeneration comes in.

Regenerative agriculture emphasizes improving soil health through practices such as cover cropping, no-till farming, and organic amendments. These methods rejuvenate the soil's biological activity, enhance carbon sequestration, and increase resilience to droughts and floods.

For example, a study from the Rodale Institute found that farms using regenerative practices had higher yields during drought conditions compared to conventional farms. This underscores the importance of prioritizing soil health as a pathway to resilient agriculture systems.

By embracing restoration techniques, farmers not only revive the land but can also enhance their profitability. Healthier soil leads to healthier crops, reducing the need for synthetic inputs and increasing the quality of produce.

Creating Biodiversity in Agricultural Practices

Biodiversity plays a vital role in establishing resilient agriculture systems. By diversifying crops and integrating livestock, farmers can create a balanced ecosystem that supports various species.

One notable example of this practice is the use of crop rotation. Rotating different crops helps to break pest and disease cycles, which can lower chemical dependency. Moreover, incorporating crops that fix nitrogen can naturally enrich the soil, making it more fertile for subsequent crops.

Additionally, agroforestry—combining trees and shrubs with crops—provides multiple ecological benefits. According to research, agroforestry systems can yield 20-30% more than monoculture systems while decreasing the risk of crop failure due to environmental stressors.

Agroforestry system enhancing biodiversity and crop yield.

Integrating these principles not only enhances productivity but also contributes to ecosystem services such as pollination, pest control, and erosion prevention, all of which are crucial for long-term agricultural viability.

Climate Resilience Through Regenerative Practices

With climate variability becoming an increasing concern, regenerative practices can significantly contribute to climate resilience in agriculture. As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, farmers who adopt regenerative practices are better positioned to adapt.

Practices like agroecology and permaculture focus on working with nature rather than against it. By fostering diverse ecosystems and improving soil health, these methods help mitigate the impacts of climate change.

For instance, researchers have found that farms that implement regenerative practices can sequester significant amounts of carbon—estimated to be anywhere from 0.5 to 1.6 billion tons of CO2 annually in the U.S. alone. This not only helps in combating climate change but also benefits farmers by increasing crop resilience against erratic weather patterns.

Regenerative farm demonstrating climate resilience through diverse practices.

Climate resilience supported by regeneration helps farmers navigate unexpected challenges, ensuring they can maintain production levels and secure their livelihoods.

Practical Steps for Implementing Regenerative Agriculture

Implementing regenerative practices can appear daunting for many farmers. However, incremental changes can lead to significant benefits. Here are some practical steps to consider:

1. Assess Soil Health: Before making any changes, evaluate your soil's health. Conduct soil tests to understand its composition, nutrient levels, and pH. This information will guide your regeneration efforts.

   
   

2. Implement Cover Cropping: Begin by planting cover crops during the offseason to protect and improve your soil. Choose species that suit your local climate and soil type.

   
   

3. Practice Crop Rotation: Rotate your crops to improve soil fertility and disrupt pest cycles. Start with a simple rotation plan and adjust as you gain experience.

   
   

4. Incorporate Livestock: If possible, integrate livestock into your farming system. This can improve nutrient cycling and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers.

   
   

5. Invest in Education: Attend workshops or seminars focused on regenerative agriculture. Knowledge is key in successfully transitioning your farming methods.

   
   

6. Join a Community: Connect with other farmers who practice regenerative agriculture. Collaborating and sharing experiences can provide invaluable insights and support. Check out our events page for upcoming opportunities.

   
   

By taking these steps, you will not only bolster the resilience of your agriculture system but also contribute to a healthier planet.

The Future of Resilient Agriculture

As we look to the future, the importance of regeneration in agriculture becomes increasingly clear. With the ongoing challenges of climate change, soil degradation, and food insecurity, regenerative practices offer a path forward.

Transitioning to regenerative methods is not merely a choice but a necessity for sustaining agriculture and ensuring food security for future generations. As more farmers adopt such practices, we can look forward to a more resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural landscape.

Ultimately, healthy soil is the cornerstone of resilient agriculture systems, meaning the emphasis on soil regen cannot be overlooked. Through collective action and commitment to regeneration, we can cultivate not just crops, but a healthier world for all.

Embrace the regenerative approach today, and support a thriving agricultural future.