Soil Testing

Now is the time collect those soil tests to reveal pH and fertility problems in pastures, fields, and garden areas. The Extension Office has soil sampling kits which allow you to mail the sample directly to the University of Florida’s Soil Testing Laboratory for analysis.

Collecting a representative sample of the area is the most important step in the entire process. Don't take a sample from an unusual spot and expect it to be the same as the entire area being tested.

To collect the sample, use a soil test probe or a shovel or trowel. Take a core of soil 6 inches deep from at least 15 spots in each field or area to be tested. Mix the core samples together to make one representative sample.

Once samples have been collected, air dry the soil on newspaper in the sun for a couple of hours and place in the sample bag, complete the information sheet and mail in the sample submission box to the lab in Gainesville. A computer generated analysis and recommendation will normally be returned to you within 2 weeks.

A routine soil test which checks pH, Phosphorous, Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium levels costs $7.00. You can ask for fertilizer recommendations for several different crops by simply indicating the crop codes on the information sheet, there is no additional charge. Or if you prefer you can download a copy of the soil testing forms at the Extension Soil Testing Laboratory Web site.