soil testing - Ask Extension
When i submit a sample of garden soil for you to "test", what do you test for? will the info you provide help me to know how to amend and ho...
Knowledgebase
soil testing #857039
Asked January 05, 2024, 7:49 PM EST
When i submit a sample of garden soil for you to "test", what do you test for? will the info you provide help me to know how to amend and how?
Weights and measures, products needed?
ThankYou & Happy New Year.
Lori Dean
Licking County Ohio
Expert Response
Happy New Year to you too, Lori!
General soil testing is a great idea for home gardeners. Once you know your soil, you might not have to do it every year, but it is great for knowing where you stand.
General soil tests usually measure pH, "Cation Exchange Capability" or CEC, and macronutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium. These last values are generally reported as the plant-available amount of nutrient, not necessarily the whole amount in the soil. The CEC measures how well the soil will hold on to these nutrients. Some tests will also measure organic matter (OM). Nitrogen, a vital component for plant growth, is very volatile and often NOT measured in a soil test. Specialized testing for things such as heavy metal contamination and biological activity (Solvita test) are available but not on a standard soil test.
Knowing the texture of your soil (sandy/loamy/clay) is very helpful for planning amendments and selecting plants. This is usually available as an added test for an additional fee. Checking for micronutrient level ( iron, zinc, copper, manganese, etc) is not a bad idea; a micronutrient deficiency can be just as bad as a macronutrient problem. This also generally requires an additional fee.
Since you live in Licking County, I would recommend you follow the instructions from your local Extension office at the website below. It is probably too early to get a soil sample for the 2024 growing season--the soil must be workable to get a sample. While you can use a trowel or spade to get a sample, your Extension office may have a soil probe they can lend you or tell you where to rent or borrow one.
from the website linked below:
"YOU CAN BRING YOUR SOIL SAMPLE(S) INTO THE OSU EXTENSION OFFICE (771 E Main St., Newark, OH)"
https://licking.osu.edu/program-areas/agriculture-and-natural-resources/soil-testing
This is a detailed description of what is tested, how to get your sample, where to send it locally, and how to use the report.
I commend you for investigating soil testing early in the season and getting a jump on the season!
If you want some more in-depth information:
Fact sheet about choosing soil testing labs in and near Ohio:
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/anr-0107
Interpreting a test report: (defines terms but gets technical for farmers)
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/agf-
Great overview for home gardeners:https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/a-gardeners-guide-to-soil-testing
General soil testing is a great idea for home gardeners. Once you know your soil, you might not have to do it every year, but it is great for knowing where you stand.
General soil tests usually measure pH, "Cation Exchange Capability" or CEC, and macronutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium. These last values are generally reported as the plant-available amount of nutrient, not necessarily the whole amount in the soil. The CEC measures how well the soil will hold on to these nutrients. Some tests will also measure organic matter (OM). Nitrogen, a vital component for plant growth, is very volatile and often NOT measured in a soil test. Specialized testing for things such as heavy metal contamination and biological activity (Solvita test) are available but not on a standard soil test.
Knowing the texture of your soil (sandy/loamy/clay) is very helpful for planning amendments and selecting plants. This is usually available as an added test for an additional fee. Checking for micronutrient level ( iron, zinc, copper, manganese, etc) is not a bad idea; a micronutrient deficiency can be just as bad as a macronutrient problem. This also generally requires an additional fee.
Since you live in Licking County, I would recommend you follow the instructions from your local Extension office at the website below. It is probably too early to get a soil sample for the 2024 growing season--the soil must be workable to get a sample. While you can use a trowel or spade to get a sample, your Extension office may have a soil probe they can lend you or tell you where to rent or borrow one.
from the website linked below:
"YOU CAN BRING YOUR SOIL SAMPLE(S) INTO THE OSU EXTENSION OFFICE (771 E Main St., Newark, OH)"
https://licking.osu.edu/program-areas/agriculture-and-natural-resources/soil-testing
This is a detailed description of what is tested, how to get your sample, where to send it locally, and how to use the report.
I commend you for investigating soil testing early in the season and getting a jump on the season!
If you want some more in-depth information:
Fact sheet about choosing soil testing labs in and near Ohio:
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/anr-0107
Interpreting a test report: (defines terms but gets technical for farmers)
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/agf-
Great overview for home gardeners:https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/a-gardeners-guide-to-soil-testing
