ALFALFA SOILS SHOULD BE SAMPLED

If your fields have been too hard to get a good soil sample with a probe, and now it is too cold, try another method!! An auger-type wood bit on a large portable drill can help get soil samples. Put a 3/4" to 1" bit through a hole in the bottom of a can (3-4" tall and 3-4" diameter). Put the can on the soil, and the bit will pull the soil into the can for sampling. Soil sampling and fertilizing alfalfa according to soil tests is critical for good alfalfa yields and long stand life.  

To see pictures of a home made unit see "Sweatless Soil Sampler"