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University
of Rhode Island GreenShare Factsheets Soil Testing
The soil test is an excellent measure of soil fertility. It is an inexpensive way of maintaining good plant health and maximum crop productivity. Soil fertility fluctuates throughout the growing season each year--the quantity and availability of mineral nutrients are altered by the addition of fertilizers, manure, compost, mulch and lime or sulfur, in addition to leaching. Furthermore, a large quantity of mineral nutrients are removed from soils as a result of plant growth and development, and the harvesting of crops. The soil test will determine the current fertility status. It also provides the necessary information needed to maintain optimum fertility year after year. Some plants grow well over a wide range of soil pH, while others grow best within a narrow range of pH. Most turfgrasses, flowers, ornamental shrubs, vegetables and fruits grow best in slightly acid soils with a pH of 6.1 to 6.9. Plants such as rhododendron, azalea, pieris, mountain laurel and blueberries require a more acidic soil to grow well. A soil test is the only precise way to determine whether the soil is acidic, neutral, or alkaline. Most soil nutrients are readily available when soil pH is at 6.5. When pH rises above this value, nutrient elements such as phosphorus, iron, manganese, copper and zinc will become less available. When soil pH drops below 6.5, manganese can reach a toxic level for some sensitive plants. The soil test takes the guesswork out of fertilization and is extremely cost effective. It not only eliminates the waste of money spent on unnecessary fertilizers, but also eliminates over-usage of fertilizers, hence helping to protect the environment. When Do I Soil Test? Sampling can be done at any time, but late October or early November is usually preferable. Avoid sampling when the soil is very wet or recently limed or fertilized. How Many Samples do I Take? Soils that look different or have been used differently should be sampled and tested separately. Areas where there is poor growth should also be tested separately. How Do I Take Soil Samples? Using a trowel or spade, take thin, vertical slices of the soil as indicated in the table below. For small areas, use fewer slices; for large areas, use more slices.
How to Prepare Soil Samples for Submission: Put slices of soil into a large, clean plastic container or bag and mix thoroughly. Take about one cup of soil mixture and dry it at room temperature (do not dry samples in an oven or on a stove or radiator). Put the dry soil in a sandwich size "zip" type plastic bag and close tightly. Label each sample on the outside of the bag. Tests Available: The University of Rhode Island
Cooperative Extension, in cooperation with the University
of Massachusetts Cooperative
Extension, Soil Testing Laboratory, offers a variety of soil
test options for home gardeners and commercial growers."
Other Tests Offered:
How to Order: Download and print the order form and send with your soil sample(s) and the proper fee. A fee for each sample must be enclosed, samples received without the proper fee will not be tested.
Return the completed form with your soil sample(s) and check made payable to the University of Massachusetts to:
For more information, call the Soil Testing Laboratory at UMASS (413)545-2311
Adapted from Gary Gao,Joe Boggs and Jim Chatfield, Ohio State University Extension, and the University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension
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Soil Test Order Form (PDF Format) Now