I didn't know that some lands had soil problems. My trainer told me before I buy anything to let her know and that she would send her husband (a farmer) to come check the soil because some overused for farming and I won't be able to grow good grass. Have you heard of that?
Oops, not going to bed yet I guess :)
Yes, farm land can be depleted of good soil and nutrients. You can get the soil tested, generally by the extension agent too. If it's not been used for farming, it may just need whatever your soil in that area needs for the type of grass you pick - like nitrogen, etc.
It would be great if she and her husband could look at it for you.