The function of the Soil and Forage Analysis Laboratory includes:

1. Deliver agricultural testing services to Wisconsin farmers, homeowners, agri-business and others. Services include the analyses of:
   • Soil for fertility evaluation
   • Plant tissue for nutrient adequacy
   • Feeds/forage for quality parameters
   • Manure
2. Provide leadership to the WDATCP check sample program that ensures Wisconsin certified soil testing labs deliver quality services. Also develop and maintain the computerized soil test recommendation program used by Wisconsin DATCP certified soil testing labs. This certification is required for any soil analysis that is to be used in the nutrient management planning process.
3. Provide educational and training opportunities for UW-Madison, UW-System and other students.
4. Integrate and develop/modify new tests for routine and research application.
5. Contribute to regional soil testing and other agricultural diagnostic testing development by NCERA-13.
6. Provide data from routine soil, plant, forage, and manure samples for support of extension and research programming by local county faculty and state specialists.