soil testing options
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County 232 Plaza Road, Kingston NY 12401 Office hours Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm Main phone: 845-340-3990 Horticulture Hotline: 845-340-3478 (340-DIRT)
SOIL TESTING OPTIONS pH TESTING Testing is done by Master Gardeners during Horticulture Hotline hours: Mon., Wed., and Fri. 9am–12pm (winter hours: Fridays only). Drop off sample(s) at our office anytime during office hours. Cost: $3 for first sample + $1 each add’l sample. What it tells you: pH, the acidity and alkalinity of soil; how much lime or sulfur to add adjust the pH based on what you plan to grow; and soil texture (sand, clay etc.). Taking samples for pH testing:
Use a clean trowel, digging to a depth of 4 inches; place in a plastic bag or a plastic or glass jar. For each test we need ½ cup-1 cup; take a number of subsamples to represent the area to be tested and combine them, breaking up any clumps. Combine samples: In an area 100 square feet or less (10x10ft) take 5-10 subsamples and for larger area take 10-15. (Final sample needed from all subsamples combined is ½ - 1 cup.) Separate samples: Keep lawn and garden samples separate, take separate samples from good and bad growth areas (e.g. healthy versus bare lawn), and label to differentiate sources. Soil should be somewhat dry; if it’s very wet allow to air dry but do not use heat to dry.
MORE COMPREHENSIVE SOIL TESTING AVAILABLE THROUGH RUTGER’S UNIVERSITY: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
You may purchase a bag from us to send out for testing at Rutgers University. Take sample and place in plastic bag provided (see instructions and form provided in bag). Fill out form and mail bag (you pay postage, plus if applicable add’l cost of testing, see below). Rutger’s will send you detailed results and recommendations via email or mail (5 to 10 day turnaround). Our office receives a copy of the results; you can call us with any questions (Dona at 340-3990 x335)
Test Name
What it tests for
Price
Level 1: Soil Fertility Analysis (basic test)
pH plus these nutrients*: P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, B
$25
Level 2: Problem-Solver (soil/plant suitability)
Soil Fertility (above) plus soluble salt level**, organic matter content, and textural class
$25 (price above) PLUS add’l $30 (total $50)
Level 3: Topsoil Evaluation
Problem Solver (directly above) plus sand/silt/clay percentages and gravel content
$25 (price above) PLUS add’l $60 (total $80)
Soil lead (Pb) screening
Lead
$25 (cost of bag-then check off Lead Test on order form)
Various other tests through Rutger’s
Contact Rutgers at 848-932-9295 or go to:
Varies
(cost of the bag/basic test)
http://njaes.rutgers.edu/soiltestinglab/services.asp
* Nutrient names (symbol for element given): P=Phosphorus, K=Potassium, Ca=Calcium, Mg=Magnesium, Cu=Copper, Mn=Manganese, Zn=Zinc, Fe=Iron, B=Boron. ** You may want to test for salt if you live near a highway and are concerned about run-off from roads being salted in winter. ‘ Updated March 30, 2015
CCEUC provides equal program and employment opportunities. Please contact the CCEUC office at 845-340-3990 if you have any special needs.
SOIL TESTING OPTIONS pH TESTING Testing is done by Master Gardeners during Horticulture Hotline hours: Mon., Wed., and Fri. 9am–12pm (winter hours: Fridays only). Drop off sample(s) at our office anytime during office hours. Cost: $3 for first sample + $1 each add’l sample. What it tells you: pH, the acidity and alkalinity of soil; how much lime or sulfur to add adjust the pH based on what you plan to grow; and soil texture (sand, clay etc.). Taking samples for pH testing:
Use a clean trowel, digging to a depth of 4 inches; place in a plastic bag or a plastic or glass jar. For each test we need ½ cup-1 cup; take a number of subsamples to represent the area to be tested and combine them, breaking up any clumps. Combine samples: In an area 100 square feet or less (10x10ft) take 5-10 subsamples and for larger area take 10-15. (Final sample needed from all subsamples combined is ½ - 1 cup.) Separate samples: Keep lawn and garden samples separate, take separate samples from good and bad growth areas (e.g. healthy versus bare lawn), and label to differentiate sources. Soil should be somewhat dry; if it’s very wet allow to air dry but do not use heat to dry.
MORE COMPREHENSIVE SOIL TESTING AVAILABLE THROUGH RUTGER’S UNIVERSITY: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
You may purchase a bag from us to send out for testing at Rutgers University. Take sample and place in plastic bag provided (see instructions and form provided in bag). Fill out form and mail bag (you pay postage, plus if applicable add’l cost of testing, see below). Rutger’s will send you detailed results and recommendations via email or mail (5 to 10 day turnaround). Our office receives a copy of the results; you can call us with any questions (Dona at 340-3990 x335)
Test Name
What it tests for
Price
Level 1: Soil Fertility Analysis (basic test)
pH plus these nutrients*: P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, B
$25
Level 2: Problem-Solver (soil/plant suitability)
Soil Fertility (above) plus soluble salt level**, organic matter content, and textural class
$25 (price above) PLUS add’l $30 (total $50)
Level 3: Topsoil Evaluation
Problem Solver (directly above) plus sand/silt/clay percentages and gravel content
$25 (price above) PLUS add’l $60 (total $80)
Soil lead (Pb) screening
Lead
$25 (cost of bag-then check off Lead Test on order form)
Various other tests through Rutger’s
Contact Rutgers at 848-932-9295 or go to:
Varies
(cost of the bag/basic test)
http://njaes.rutgers.edu/soiltestinglab/services.asp
* Nutrient names (symbol for element given): P=Phosphorus, K=Potassium, Ca=Calcium, Mg=Magnesium, Cu=Copper, Mn=Manganese, Zn=Zinc, Fe=Iron, B=Boron. ** You may want to test for salt if you live near a highway and are concerned about run-off from roads being salted in winter. ‘ Updated March 30, 2015
CCEUC provides equal program and employment opportunities. Please contact the CCEUC office at 845-340-3990 if you have any special needs.
