Soil testing is an excellent investment for gardens, lawns, landscapes, fruit crops and commercial crops. Soil tests provide more helpful information on soils than any other resource. It is an inexpensive way to maintain good plant health in lawns and landscapes, and to maximize productivity of vegetable gardens and fruit crops. Soil test results pinpoint plant nutrient needs and soil test lab recommendations guide fertilizer applications so just the right amount is used. Test results also provide information for making plant selection decisions based on “right plant—right place.” If good plants go bad, a soil test can help diagnose what went wrong. For more information, or steps for collecting soil, please download the Soil Testing brochure here.

 

How to Prepare Soil Samples for Submission

1. Break up lumps and air dry the soil on parchment paper or butcher paper (do not use newspaper or colored paper) at room temperature with no artificial heat.
2. Dry until the lumps can be crushed to the size of wheat grains or smaller.
3. Mix well and remove roots and other large pieces of organic debris.
4. Take about one cup of the composite sample and place it in a clean container (plastic tub or bag is fine).
5. Bring sample to OSU Extension - Licking County, 771 E. Main Street, Suite 103, Newark, OH.  We will assist you in filling out the sample submission form and mail.  Basic sample and mailing fee is $18.00 per sample.  

Figures 11–15 below illustrate a typical soil test kit that you will obtain from the lab. Make sure the information on the forms is complete so you receive recommendations for your lawn, landscape, fruit or vegetable needs. Photos by Joe Boggs, Ohio State University Extension.

Figure 11: A typical soil test kit you will receive from the soil-testing lab.

Figure 12: Complete all forms required by the testing lab.	Figure 13: Take about one pint of the composite sample to be sent for testing.

 

Figure 14: The bag is filled and ready to be sent to the testing lab.	Figure 15: The form is completed and ready to be mailed with the filled bag.

Where Do I Send My Soil Sample?

YOU CAN BRING YOUR SOIL SAMPLE(S) INTO THE OSU EXTENSION OFFICE (771 E Main St., Newark, OH), and we will send it out to the lab for you. Soil samples are sent to an accredited soil testing lab. Results will be sent along with recommendations for taking corrective actions if needed. This includes the amount of fertilizers and other additives needed to support healthy plants. With an accurate soil sample and test, reliable fertilizer recommendations can help horticulture professionals and gardening enthusiasts improve plant quality and productivity, reduce nutrient runoff, and save money.

Otherwise, Table 1 shows a list of soil testing labs in Ohio and neighboring states as well as the types of materials they will test. The labs listed belong to the North American Proficiency Testing (NAPT) program that is operated under the supervision of the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA). For a fee, these labs will provide basic soil testing. Some labs also offer more advanced testing such as an analysis of soilless media, compost, plant tissue, and water as well as tests for soluble salts and the amount of organic matter found in the soil.

Contact the soil-testing lab before collecting the soil samples. Generally, soil-testing labs will provide a complete set of instructions, either with sample kits or upon request. Follow the instructions carefully. You will need to mail soil sample(s), completed sample form(s), and appropriate payment to the soil-testing lab selected. 

How Long Does the Soil Test Take?

Soil test results and fertilizer recommendations are usually mailed in 7-10 days, depending on the testing lab. Make sure you read and follow the directions for filling out the soil testing form(s) accurately and completely; incomplete forms may cause delays in receiving results and recommendations. For example, unless you fill out the form for the types of plants you grow or will be growing, no recommendations will be given.

What Kinds of Soil Tests Are Available?

The kinds of available tests vary with different soil and tissue testing labs. Some of the common soil tests are lawn and garden, horticultural, agronomic, and soilless media test. Refer to Table 1 for a suggested partial list of soil and tissue testing labs and the types of tests available in Ohio and neighboring states. Please note the types of tests that individual labs offer may change without notice. Contact the lab for current tests available.

The inclusion of a lab on this list does not necessarily imply any endorsement by Ohio State University Extension, nor does the exclusion of a lab imply any condemnation. Hence, Ohio State University Extension does not assume any liabilities associated with the selection and use of these labs.

Why Should I Test My Soils?

Soil testing can give you the information you need to boost plant yield and quality, and improve your lawn and landscape. If you have not had your soil tested, now is a great time to do that. Each year, many homeowners fertilize their lawn, garden and landscape without a soil test. How do you know you are applying the right fertilizer at the correct amount? You might waste quite a bit of money on unnecessary fertilizer or wrong fertilizer. Worse yet, the excessive fertilizer might end up in our drinking water.

How Much Does a Soil Test Cost?

Our office offers soil tests at $18.00 per sample.  Bring 1 cup of dried soil sample(s) to our office located at 771 E. Main Street, Suite 103, Newark.  Our office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Call us at 740-670-5315 for questions or directions.

What Do I Get With My Soil Test?

You will receive a detailed soil test report.

How Long Does It Take?

It normally takes 7-10 business days to get a report back from the lab.