Not Farmland

While selecting the survival site, make sure it is not farmland. Ranch land would be less likely to have been depleted (unless it is ranch land because it is so depleted that nothing else will grow there). Ranch land around here is used this way because there are too many rocks in the field to farm it. If you are scouting a site, take a shovel and get a sample of the soil in the area. Do this by digging holes about 6 inches wide and 6 to 9 inches deep in several places. Slice a thin wedge of soil from the wall of each hole and carefully remove sod and any small stones or roots. Be sure to wear gloves so you don't affect the chemistry by your bare hands. Mix all your samples together in a plastic bucket or bag. If the soil sample is badly deficient, consider a different site.

Offered by Roger.