The Haney Soil Test: Soil Testing and Test Kits

The Haney Soil Test: Soil Testing and Test Kits

The Haney Soil Test: Revolutionizing Soil Health Assessment for Sustainable Agriculture in 2025

Agricultural soil testing in North America has evolved beyond traditional nutrient analysis, with the Haney Soil Test emerging as the USDA's official Soil Health Nutrient Tool for comprehensive assessment of biological and chemical soil functions essential for sustainable farming success.

The Haney Soil Test: Revolutionizing Soil Health Assessment for Sustainable Agriculture in 2025

The Haney Soil Test transforms agricultural soil assessment by integrating microbial activity measurements with traditional chemical analysis, enabling farmers to reduce fertilizer costs by $15-20 per acre while maintaining or improving crop yields through precise biological nutrient management.

Soil health is the foundation of sustainable agriculture, driving crop productivity and ecosystem resilience. Traditional soil tests, focused on chemical nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), often overlook the biological and ecological dynamics that define thriving soils. The Haney Soil Test, developed by USDA-ARS researcher Rick Haney, transforms this paradigm by integrating chemical, biological, and ecological metrics into a holistic assessment. This comprehensive guide explores the test's methodologies, significance, and transformative impact on farming practices, empowering growers to enhance soil vitality, reduce costs, and embrace regenerative agriculture.

Principles of the Haney Soil Test

The Haney Soil Test redefines soil assessment by capturing the interplay of chemical and biological processes, offering a comprehensive view of soil health. Unlike conventional tests that prioritize inorganic nutrient levels, this approach mirrors the natural complexity of soil ecosystems, providing actionable insights for sustainable management.

Integrated Approach to Soil Health

The test evaluates both chemical (nutrient availability) and biological (microbial activity) dimensions, reflecting the soil's ecological balance. This integrated approach to soil testing reflects the complex ecosystem of the soil, instead of depending upon the narrow measurement of inorganic N, P, and K. Research demonstrates that this comprehensive method provides more complete soil health insights than traditional chemical-only testing approaches.

Measuring Microbial Activity and Nutrient Availability

At its core, the test measures soil respiration as an indicator of soil microbial activity, and uses soil water extract and the H3A extractant to measure plant available nutrients. These metrics, influenced by root exudates and organic matter decomposition, reveal the vitality of the soil's microbial food web. The organic acids are then broken down by soil microbes since they are an excellent carbon food source, which returns the soil pH to its natural, ambient level.

Soil Health Score

The test generates a soil health score (0–50), calculated from respiration, carbon, and nitrogen ratios, providing a benchmark for tracking changes over time. Scores above 7 indicate robust soil health, correlating with 10–12% yield increases in regenerative systems. The soil health calculation number can vary from 0 to more than 30. We like to see this number increase over time.

Nutrient Recommendations

The test provides nutrient recommendations for N, P2O5 and K20 for a variety of crops, based on biologically available nutrients rather than total chemical pools. In a large-scale study, Haney ran 3,200 samples, helping growers reduce nitrogen input costs by $15 per acre. These recommendations help farmers optimize fertilizer use while maintaining crop productivity.

Methodology of the Haney Soil Test

The Haney Soil Test employs innovative techniques to assess soil health, focusing on biologically relevant metrics. The methodology includes:

  • Solvita CO2 Burst Test: Measures soil respiration as an indicator of soil microbial activity, with a low number <30 indicating low microbial activity.
  • Water-Soluble Extracts: Uses soil water extract (nature's solvent) to quantify organic carbon and nitrogen available to plants and microbes.
  • H3A Extractant: Simulates root exudates by using organic acids to extract nutrients, mimicking the production of organic acids by living plant roots to temporarily change the soil pH thereby increasing nutrient availability.
  • C:N Ratio Analysis: A high C:N ratio >20 means that the organic N will not be mineralized and is unavailable to the plant.

Samples are collected from 0–6 inches deep, with 10-15 cores per 20 acres, mixed thoroughly, and shipped to certified labs for analysis. Results are typically delivered within 5-7 days, providing farmers with timely soil health insights.

Significance of the Haney Soil Test

The Haney Soil Test represents a paradigm shift in agricultural soil assessment, offering comprehensive insights that drive both sustainability and profitability.

Comprehensive Soil Health Insights

The USDA has adopted the Haney Test as its official Soil Health Nutrient Tool, recognizing its value in providing holistic soil assessment. By integrating biological, chemical, and ecological data, the test reveals soil dynamics overlooked by traditional methods, enabling targeted interventions that improve microbial activity and nutrient cycling.

Cost Savings Through Precision

The test's precise nutrient recommendations reduce input costs significantly. Farmers using the test report nitrogen savings of $15 per acre, with additional savings in phosphorus and potassium applications. These reductions help farmers maintain profitability while reducing environmental impact through decreased fertilizer use.

Advancing Regenerative Agriculture

Aligned with regenerative principles, the test promotes practices like cover cropping and reduced tillage that enhance soil carbon sequestration. The Rodale Institute conducts research that seeks to improve the viability, productivity and documented ecological services of organic farming, supporting the scientific foundation underlying regenerative agriculture approaches that the Haney Test helps farmers implement.

Implications for Agricultural Practices

The Haney Soil Test reshapes farming by prioritizing soil health as a driver of productivity and resilience:

  • Shift to Biological Management: Emphasizing microbial activity encourages practices like crop rotation and cover cropping that enhance soil biological function.
  • Reduced Environmental Impact: Lower fertilizer use reduces nutrient runoff, protecting waterways and improving environmental sustainability.
  • Enhanced Resilience: Healthier soils demonstrate improved drought tolerance and reduced yield variability during extreme weather events.
  • Economic Benefits: Farmers report improved profitability through optimized inputs and enhanced soil health.

The test supports diverse agricultural systems, from small-scale organic operations to large commercial farms, providing scalable soil health solutions.

Practical Application and Sampling

To maximize the test's benefits, proper sampling protocols are essential. Pull a furrow slice soil sample using either a standard soil core sampler, drill corer or spade. For fertility recommendations, take 10-15 cores at either 0-6" or 0-8" – making sure to keep consistent depths and not include sub soils. Make a single composite sample by combining all the cores in a plastic-lined paper soil bag and mark each sample with "Haney test" or "soil health test" to ensure proper handling by the lab.

Consistent sampling timing, such as pre-planting, helps track soil health trends over time. Annual testing is recommended for dynamic systems to monitor progress and adjust management practices accordingly.

Challenges and Limitations

While transformative, the Haney Test faces certain challenges:

  • Interpretation Complexity: Soil health scores require context, and interpreting tests like the Haney can be difficult. Training and education are essential for proper result interpretation.
  • Regional Variability: Haney fertilizer recommendations have not been tested and calibrated for all regions, requiring continued research for optimal regional applications.
  • Temporal Considerations: The test provides a snapshot in time of soil health, since organic matter pools are in constant flux depending on microbial activity, management practices and the season.

Despite these limitations, the test's adoption continues to grow as farmers recognize its value for soil health management.

Future Directions and Innovations

Ongoing research continues to enhance the Haney Soil Test's capabilities:

  • Enhanced Calibration: Research focuses on improving test accuracy across diverse soil types and climatic regions.
  • Digital Integration: Development of digital tools and apps that link test results to precision agriculture systems for optimized farm management.
  • Carbon Market Applications: The test's ability to quantify soil carbon changes supports farmer participation in emerging carbon credit markets.

These advancements aim to expand the test's utility and accessibility for farmers worldwide, supporting the global transition to sustainable agriculture.

Resources for Haney Soil Testing

Farmers and gardeners can access Haney Soil Test services through certified laboratories:

  • Ward Laboratories (4007 Cherry Ave, Kearney, NE 68847): Full-service agricultural testing laboratory with over 40 years of experience providing comprehensive Haney testing.
  • Regen Ag Lab (31740 Highway 10, Pleasanton, NE 68866): Established in 2019 on the foundation of providing accurate, reliable and impactful analytical testing services surrounding the principles of soil health and regenerative agriculture.
  • USDA NRCS Soil Health Division: Provides sampling guidance and educational resources through their soil health assessment programs.
  • Local Extension Services: Offer training and testing support, providing farmers with education on proper sampling techniques and result interpretation.

These laboratories follow standardized Haney test procedures to ensure consistent and reliable results for soil health assessment.

Conclusion

The Haney Soil Test represents a cornerstone of modern agriculture, offering a holistic approach to soil health assessment that integrates microbial, chemical, and ecological insights. By guiding precise nutrient management and supporting regenerative practices, it helps farmers reduce costs while enhancing yields and supporting ecosystem resilience. As the USDA's official Soil Health Nutrient Tool, this comprehensive assessment method continues to shape sustainable farming practices, ensuring soil health for future generations while supporting current agricultural productivity and profitability.

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Understanding Soil Health

Assessing soil health involves looking at physical, chemical, and biological components.

Soil health is a fundamental concept that underpins the success of agriculture, gardening, and land management practices. It refers to the overall well-being and vitality of the soil ecosystem, encompassing physical, chemical, and biological aspects. Understanding soil health is crucial for maintaining sustainable and productive landscapes while also contributing to environmental conservation.

  1. Physical
    The physical properties of soil play a critical role in its health. These properties include soil texture, structure, compaction, and water-holding capacity. Soil texture refers to the proportions of sand, silt, and clay particles in the soil. A balanced texture allows for adequate water drainage and retention, preventing waterlogging and drought stress. Soil structure influences root penetration, aeration, and nutrient movement. Healthy soil structure promotes a friable and well-drained medium for plant growth.
  2. Chemical
    Soil chemistry directly affects nutrient availability and plant growth. Key chemical factors include soil pH, nutrient content, and the presence of contaminants. Soil pH measures the soil's acidity or alkalinity and profoundly influences nutrient uptake by plants. Nutrient content, including macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, must be in balance to support healthy plant growth. Monitoring and maintaining proper nutrient levels through fertilization are essential for maximizing crop yields and preventing nutrient deficiencies.
  3. Biological
    The biological component of soil health pertains to the diverse array of microorganisms, insects, and other organisms that inhabit the soil ecosystem. These organisms play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and disease suppression. Soil microorganisms break down organic matter, releasing nutrients that are subsequently made available to plants. A rich and diverse soil microbiome contributes to enhanced nutrient availability and plant resilience against diseases.

Our Soil Tests

We provide a range of soil tests from basic chemistry, to texture/infiltration rate, all the way to biology.

Order a Soil Test Kit

Basic Soil Health Test

The Basic Soil Health Test is an excellent starting point for understanding your soil's condition. It offers a comprehensive analysis encompassing pH levels, nutrient content, CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity), salts, and organic matter. This budget-friendly test is ideal for identifying potential soil health issues and establishing a solid foundation for further management.

Full Chemistry Test

Our Full Chemistry Test provides a detailed assessment of your soil's quality, guiding you towards healthy and sustainable soil management practices. Through an extensive analysis, we examine macro and micronutrient levels, pH, CEC, organic matter, and salinity. This comprehensive understanding empowers us to create tailored recommendations for soil amendments and treatments, optimized for the specific plants you intend to cultivate. By optimizing your soil's chemistry, you can expect to foster more robust and vibrant plant growth.

Complete Soil Health Test

Uncover a deeper understanding of your soil's health with the Complete Soil Health Test. This comprehensive analysis goes beyond the basics, measuring nutritional factors and examining soil texture. It covers macro and micronutrients, organic matter, pH, CEC, as well as sand, silt, and clay percentages. Additionally, we assess carbon sequestration levels, providing you with a holistic view of your soil's composition. The personalized recommendations derived from this test empower you to make precise adjustments to enhance your soil's health and productivity.

MWELO Soil Management Report

For those navigating California's MWELO guidelines, our MWELO Soil Management Report is an indispensable resource. This report not only ensures compliance but also promotes sustainable and thriving landscapes. It includes comprehensive data such as soil texture, infiltration rate, pH, total soluble salts, sodium content, and organic matter percentage. With amendment recommendations, optionally tailored to specific plant types, and annual maintenance tips, you'll be equipped to create landscapes that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible.

Heavy Metals

The Heavy Metals analysis is a vital tool in assessing potential soil contamination. Given the uncertain history of properties, this analysis identifies the presence of heavy metals that might have accumulated due to past activities or nearby industrial sources. With results available in approximately nine business days, you'll gain insights to ensure the safety and health of your soil.

Soil Food Web

Explore the intricate world beneath the surface with our Soil Food Web analysis. By estimating population sizes of essential trophic groups—bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes—we unveil the microbiological health of your soil. Additionally, we identify specific organisms within these groups, providing insights into the soil's successional level and overall condition. This analysis is applicable to soil, compost, and compost tea samples, offering a holistic perspective on your soil's biological vitality.

Pesticide Screening

The Pesticide Screening can detect hundreds on common pesticides that may have been applied or drifted from nearby sources.

Herbicide Screening

The Herbicide Screening plays an important role in ensuring the safety of your soil and plants. By detecting the presence of herbicide residues, this test can indicated whether a soil has had history of herbicide applications.

See our other tests.

Regenerative Soil Management Practices

Working with nature to improve soil means implementing practices like cover cropping, mulching, and composting.

Cover Cropping

Cover cropping involves planting specific crops during non-growing seasons to cover and protect the soil. These crops enhance soil structure, prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and provide organic matter when incorporated into the soil. Leguminous cover crops also contribute nitrogen fixation, enriching soil fertility naturally. Cover cropping is a sustainable method that improves soil health and biodiversity.

Mulching

Mulching entails covering the soil surface with organic materials like straw, leaves, or wood chips. Mulch conserves soil moisture, moderates temperature fluctuations, suppresses weeds, and prevents soil erosion. As the mulch breaks down, it contributes organic matter, enriching the soil's structure and fertility. Mulching is an effective and easy way to maintain soil health.

Composting

Composting transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. Incorporating compost into the soil enhances its structure, moisture retention, and fertility. Compost also introduces beneficial microorganisms that aid in nutrient cycling and disease suppression. Composting not only reduces waste but also revitalizes soil, making it an essential component of sustainable gardening.

Water Conservation Techniques

Implementing water-efficient practices such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and utilizing drought-resistant plants minimizes water use and reduces soil erosion. Conserving water in landscapes maintains soil moisture, supports plant growth, and sustains overall soil health. Water conservation techniques are vital for responsible gardening in arid and water-scarce regions.

If you have any questions feel free to get in touch with the Alluvial Soil Lab team at (831) 216-1367 or at info@alluvialsoillab.com

This page was written with the help of AI. The content provided on this website, including blog posts, articles, and instructional materials, is for informational and educational purposes only. Alluvial Soil Lab makes no warranties or guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of any information presented. Recommendations and procedures described herein may not be appropriate for all situations or soil conditions. Readers are solely responsible for any actions they take based on this content.

References to third-party laboratories, addresses, services, or products are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement or affiliation. We strongly encourage users to independently verify all contact information, lab addresses, and service availability before relying on them.

Alluvial Soil Lab is not liable for any outcomes, damages, or losses resulting from the use of this content or any third-party services mentioned. Always consult with a qualified professional or certified lab before making decisions that may affect soil health, property, environmental compliance, or agricultural productivity.

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