Australian scientists have developed a way to test soil for disease agents before potato crops are planted.

Using a DNA technology, scientists can quickly identify a range of problems that could threaten the quality of the vegetable.

Dr Kathy Ophel Keller from the South Australian Research and Development Institute says the method will now be taken to paddocks with a hope of a test being commercially available within a few years.

"Soil-borne pathogens of potatoes are a major problem for the industry," she said.

"The losses just in Australia are about $80 million a year, so it's an industry that can really use this technology ... to help them manage the risk from these diseases."