Soil testing is recognized as the best method of determining crop nutrient (P, K, and lime) need prior to planting. The routine soil test relies on a soil sampling approach that is intended to identify a single rate of nutrient application for a field that optimizes crop yield and economic return, with limited risk of loss that might degrade water quality. It is recognized that the soil within a field is intrinsically variable because of natural factors (e. g. soil forming factors and natural processes) and past management (e. g. nutrient application, crop management, erosion, field consolidation, and drainage) (Brown, 1993). A soil sampling protocol should account for this variability, but cannot be so intensive and complicated that it will not be accepted in practice. This issue is especially important because of the need to provide appropriate recommendations to meet nutrient management planning criteria.