Now is the time to take soil test samples for 2006 farming operations. Soil conditions in the fall are ideal for samples. And, soil samples will be back in time to enable farmers to plan fertilizer purchases needed for crop production.

A complete soil test will show the amount of lime, fertilizer and magnesium that is needed to produce the intended crop. Guessing on the amounts can increase the cost of planting and reduce production at the same time.

Penn State complete soil test kids cost $9 each and are available at the county Farm Service Agency and Penn State Extension Office. If purchasing from the FSA, payment must be made by check or money order and made payable to Extension Special Account. Directions for taking good soil samples are part of the kit.

Winter cover crops are often an overlooked nutrient management tool that can provide numerous benefits. A cover crop seeded now could provide forage next spring or, if allowed to mature, could provide grain. Either way, a cover crop could be used to supplement feed supplies.Also, many farmers need to empty their manure storage units during the fall season. This means these crop nutrients are applied to cropland at a time of year when they are not needed to grow crops. Winter cover crop can take advantage of these nutrients. If you are applying manure to cropland this fall, plan on planting a small grain cover crop, such as rye. The rye will take up the available nitrogen and hold it in the plant, preventing its loss to the water supply.