The University of Arkansas directs one of the few remaining “free” soil testing programs in the United States and has long been a leader in the development, correlation and calibration of soil testing methods for Mid-South row-crops such as rice, soybean, corn and wheat. Arkansas’ soil test laboratory processes over 150,000 soil samples annually and provides routine analysis for pH and extractable nutrients; P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B, and S free of charge. Correlation and calibration of soil test P and K have been the focus of the soil fertility program and have led to the release of updated recommendations for rice and soybean with on-going work in wheat and corn. Researchers at the University of Arkansas have led the way in the development of the first soil-based N test for rice; N-ST*R. Soil-based N tests have been the focus of soil fertility research programs for the past 50 years and the recent success of N-ST*R highlights the importance of continually developing new soil test methodologies and ensuring current methods provide the proper rate recommendations. In a world of rising commodity and fertilizer prices coupled with the increase in potential environmental impact the identification and application of proper nutrient rates has never been more important.