The division's history divides roughly into two parts. Prior to 1973, the Soil Testing Division (as it was then called) operated with an important, but relatively limited, mandate: to test soils and make fertilizer and lime recommendations. After 1973, the Agronomic Division (as it has subsequently been known) began to fulfill a broader mission. At present, the division provides not only soil testing, but also nematode assay, plant tissue analysis, waste analysis, solution analysis, and a statewide field services advisory program.