Soil Testing

The basic soil test includes soil pH, buffer value, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, calculated CEC and base saturation all for the price of $7.00 per sample. The Basic Plus soil test is all the above with zinc, manganese, iron, copper, sodium and boron for $15.00. Pre-sidedress nitrate (PSNT), organic matter and soluble salts is also offered. A container media analysis is useful to greenhouse growers in determining fertility of soil-less mixtures. Turnaround is typically 2 to 5 days and results are routinely mailed but can be e-mailed or faxed.

Test results are used to formulate research-based, cost effective lime and fertilizer recommendations specific to the type of crop or plant and yield desired. (View a soil sample test report with an explanation of recommendations.) To assist growers with their soil fertility needs, county agents and extension agents are available statewide to help with any management decisions related to soil test recommendations. Also, please review the publication, "Soil Testing and More" for information on soil testing and recommendations.

Submit a sample:

• How to Sample a Farm Field
  
• How to Sample a Lawn or Garden
  
• Send soil sample(s), the Soil and Media Information Sheet(s),* and appropriate fees to the Soil, Plant and Pest Center (see address and fee information on the Soil and Media Test Information Sheet). Fees can also be paid by credit card using the secure UT Institute of Agriculture eMarketplace site. Click here to pay online.
  
• Crop Codes (A listing of plant or crop codes for entry on the Soil and Media Information Sheet)

Sample Fees:

Please refer to the Soil, Plant and Pest Center Fee Schedule.* The fees are effective January 1, 2011.

Other Resources:

County Soil Surveys (partial list) compiled by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

* Indicates this is a PDF document. To read, download and print this information sheet, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader™ installed on your computer. To install the FREE reader. please click on the icon below, and follow the easy instructions for downloading to your computer.