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

Publication Date: 2026-03-25T14:00:00-04:00
Last Updated: 2026-03-25T00:35:33-04:00

Author: Kim Clarksen (https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/author/kimclarksen/)

Categories: [Corporate](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/corporate/), [Markets](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/markets/)

![Soil science concept. A scientist is taking a sample of soil close up.](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/soil-science-concept-a-scientist-is-taking-a-sample-of-soil-close-up-stockpack-istock-scaled.jpg)

Rising cost pressures push growers toward data-driven nutrient strategies to protect yields and margins.

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](https://soilview.com) 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.

![](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/soilviewinfographic.jpg)

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.

Tags: [cost-effective](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/cost-effective/), [fertilizer prices](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/fertilizer-prices/), [input costs](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/input-costs/), [soil analysis](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/soil-analysis/), [soil data](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/soil-data/), [soil management](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/soil-management/), [SoilView](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/soilview/), [strategy](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/strategy/), [United States](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/united-states/)

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