Virginia Cooperative Extension

WHY AND HOW TO TEST YOUR SOIL

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Plants can produce their own energy, but require a fertile soil or growth media to supply needed nutrients. Healthy, well-fed plants are better able to withstand diseases and insects and to compete with weeds. For a few dollars a chemical soil analysis can check your soil's fertility and determine if any corrective action is needed. A soil test is the best tool available for determining the lime and fertilizer needed for the best economic and environmental production of crops, gardens, and more healthy, beautiful lawns. Testing the soil takes out the guesswork and prevents you from under or over liming and fertilizing, either of which will cost you both in dollars and plant growth.

You can take a soil sample any time of the year; however, it is best not to sample when the soil is extremely wet. The fall months are probably best. The number of samples needed from a particular area depends on the uniformity of the soil and its past treatment.
(see soil sampling for the home) ------- (see also soil sampling for the farm)

Sampling and mailing instructions are found on the sample boxes and forms which should be sent directly to the lab with your soil sample and payment. Soil sample boxes and information sheets are available at your local Cooperative Extension office.

The Virginia Tech Soil Testing Laboratory is a part of Virginia's Cooperative Extension.

The routine soil test is all one normally needs for a fertility evaluation. Soil samples are analyzed and computer recommendations generated usually within 3 working days of receipt. Laboratory reports are mailed directly back to you and are also available from your local Extension office, which can provide additional assistance if needed. Since soil is a complex ecosystem, you can turn to your Extension agent to answer other questions and provide additional Extension publications. Your agent also serves as a central, local guide and contact to other Extension labs, clinics, and Extension specialists.

DON'T GUESS - SOIL TEST!

Virginia Tech Soil TESTS and their COST:

CHARGES per sample     (In-State)  (Out-of-State) 

 Routine Test Package    $10.00*         $16.00 
 * No charge for in-state Commercial Farm Samples
 (soil pH,P,K,Ca,Mg,Zn,Mn,Cu,Fe,B, and estimated CEC, plus a fertilizer and lime recommendation)

 Soluble Salts           $2.00         $3.00 

 Organic Matter          $4.00         $6.00 

 FAX results:            $1.00         $2.00 

FORMS:
Information Sheet for Commercial Crop Production, #452-124
Information Sheet for Home Lawns, Gardens, Fruit, and Ornamentals #452-125
Information Sheet for Commercial Greenhouse and Nursery Production #452-126
Information Sheet for Surface-Mined Areas #452-127
Information Sheet for Golf Courses & Industrial Lawns #452-128

Virginia Tech Soil Testing Laboratory 

145 Smyth Hall (0465)
 
Blacksburg, VA 24061