Land and soil testing - Ask Extension
Hi, We are in the process of purchasing a lot on Big Pine Island Lake (8101 Lincoln Lake Road, Belding, MI). The total land is 68 acres. A portion o...
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Land and soil testing #923891
Asked January 23, 2026, 2:49 PM EST
Hi, We are in the process of purchasing a lot on Big Pine Island Lake (8101 Lincoln Lake Road, Belding, MI). The total land is 68 acres. A portion of it is currently leased to two adjoining farmers on both sides of the road frontage. It seems to have a wetland area, then forest, and ending at the lake frontage. We are trying to assess the soil quality of both the soil being used to grow corn along with the wetland just behind the field along with the soil we intend to build our home. I have attached a picture of the land we are referred to in an attachment.
If you have other suggestions or things we should possibly look into, any input would be greatly appreciated. We have never had land with farming and appreciate any insights. Thank you!
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello
Are you planning to farm some of the land? Or are you inquiring just about the piece on which you will build a home? Thank you.
Are you planning to farm some of the land? Or are you inquiring just about the piece on which you will build a home? Thank you.
Our plans are to possibly continue farming the portion currently there. We don't know what type of spraying/pesticides the current farmers leasing the land are using or may have used. If minimal, we will likely continue their leases until we know what we would like to do. My daughter owns an organic farm about a mile down the road, so if she wanted to lease some, we will need to know where things are currently in order to turn over/convert to organic. Our barn and home will eventually be closer to the lake frontage, so I'm interested in any information or testing for both continued farming and residential use.
So re soil testing. Suggest you take separate samples of each farm that is managed by different farmers. Also highly recommend you register your farm to be eligible for cost share programs and receive advice about wetlands and various soil types. To do this you go to local farming service Assistance (FSA) office and register your farm. They will then do an assessment with you and discuss various options to improve and preserve soil and its quality. The Michigan environmental assurance program is also worth while. The program is available at the FSA office. All of these programs are free and well worth your time. They will discuss smart farming practices and preservation of the wetlands. Cost share can be available to help pay for practices that are good for the soil thus the farm. Hope this helps
Vicki
Vicki
Hi, We are in the process of purchasing a lot on Big Pine Island Lake (8101 Lincoln Lake Road, Belding, MI). The total land is 68 acres. A portion of it is currently leased to two adjoining farmers on both sides of the road frontage. It seems to have a wetland area, then forest, and ending at the lake frontage. We are trying to assess the soil quality of both the soil being used to grow corn along with the wetland just behind the field along with the soil we intend to build our home. I have attached a picture of the land we are referred to in an attachment. If you have other suggestions or things we should possibly look into, any input would be greatly appreciated. We have never had land with farming and appreciate any insights. Thank you!
