Conservation Compass

IDALS Nitrogen Sampling Project

Modified On
August 24, 2026

Get 100% FREE soil sampling from this pilot program in 26 counties. Use the data to better pinpoint nitrogen application, thus saving you money on fertilizer. The program is a partnership between the Iowa Department of Ag and the Iowa Nutrient Research and Education Council.

Info at a Glance

Lead Organization

IDALS, INREC

Funding Source

State

Agronomist Support?

Yes

Eligibility:

All acres in eligible counties

Location

The following counties: Webster, Hamilton, Boone, Calhoun, Greene, Benton, Black Hawk, Grundy, Tama, Audubon, Boone, Buena Vista, Calhoun, Carroll, Clay, Dallas, Dickinson, Emmet, Greene, Guthrie, Hamilton, Hancock, Humboldt, Kossuth, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Polk, Sac, Webster, Winnebago, Wright

Contract Length

3 years

Deadline

Rolling until funding runs out

Sign-up Process

Fill out the online form on the program website. You will be contacted by SoilView for next steps when they are ready to send a sampler. If participating, you are asked to provide basic field information such as crop rotation, nitrogen management, manure use, and cover crop use. After sampling, results will be emailed to you. All data is anonymized and shared with ISU to support nitrogen research.

 

The program includes:

  1. Establishing a baseline of residual nitrogen in your fields
  2. Building field-level history to help inform future nitrogen decisions

Pros and Cons

  • Easy signup
  • Gain insights into your soil health
  • Could reduce input costs
  • Limited availability
  • Limited to specific counties


Rates:

100% free

Helpful Links

Program Website

CONTACT IAWA Find Conservation Agronomist Conservation Compass Home

Stacks well with:

Always check with program rep before signing up for multiple programs. Learn more about stacking here.

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