Greetings,

Thank you for reaching out to Extension. Below are three resources to guide your soil testing process. The guide will explain what tests you may decide to go for, how to take samples, and the list of labs will break down which labs offer which kinds of testing.  I recommend that you start by reading this resource: Practical Lawn Care for the NW https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/ec1521.  It will inform best practices and help guide your testing process around lawn care. 

A Guide to Collecting Soil Samples for Farms and Gardens - This publication is a simple guide on “how to take a soil sample”. Remember, the results of the soil test will only be as good as the soil sample taken. Be thorough, collecting a representative sample of the complete area to be tested. Check with the local Extension Service office to see if there is a soil probe available for loan.

A List of Analytical Labs Serving Oregon - This list of labs is updated every few years. Before choosing a lab, call for current prices and procedures for mailing the sample. Labs will often have packages of several analyses for a lower cost than individual tests.

Soil Test Interpretation Guide - Soil tests results may look a little foreign! This guide will help sort out the key points. For further information about specific soil results, contact the local Extension Service office or a private consultant.