U.S. farmers weigh fertilizer cuts as soil testing gains traction for 2026 season

Nearly 40% of U.S. farmers are considering reducing fertilizer application rates ahead of the 2026 growing season, according to a survey by the National Corn Growers Association, as producers seek to manage input costs in a tighter economic environment. The shift is increasing focus on soil sampling as a tool to guide more precise nutrient management, with agronomic experts emphasizing that effective fertility planning begins with accurate field data rather than product selection.

Data from SoilView indicates that without soil testing, only about 10% of a field is properly fertilized, while the remaining acreage is split evenly between over- and under-application. Industry specialists say consistent, systematic soil sampling enables growers to identify nutrient variability, improve application timing, and reduce inefficiencies.

As fertilizer strategies come under greater scrutiny, companies are positioning soil testing services as a foundational step in improving returns, operational efficiency, and long-term soil health heading into the 2026 season.