Soil Testing
Soil testing is one of the most important things you can do to help increase the productivity of your land. It also helps you save money and protect your environment by not over-applying fertilizers to your crops. We can help you test your soils and understand the results, with services to both commercial farms and to home gardeners, and to make sampling easier we offer soil probe rentals (see bottom of this page).
For Home Gardeners:
Non-commercial growers receive technical assistance through our Master Gardener Program.
Soil pH testing:
We test pH of the soil in-house for $3 for the first sample and $1 for additional samples.
You will be asked to fill out a form when dropping off your samples that includes information about your soil, what you plan to grow, and your contact information.
Drop off samples during office hours. Testing is done by Master Gardeners during Horticulture Hotline hours 9am–12pm Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (Fridays only, in winter). Hotline phone # 845-340-3478.
Cost and what it tells you: $3 for first sample + $1 each additional sample, to find out the pH (acidity or alkalinity of soil) plus soil texture. You’ll receive a recommendation of how much lime or sulfur to add to adjust pH, based on what you plan to grow and the size of your garden area.
Taking samples:
- Take various samples and mix them, breaking up any clumps, to represent the area to be tested: 5-10 samples for an area 100 sq ft or less (10x10 ft), or 10-15 samples for larger areas.
- Keep lawn and garden samples separate, and take separate samples from good and bad growth areas (e.g. healthy versus bare lawn). Label final samples to be tested to differentiate.
- When taking samples, use a clean trowel and dig to 4 inches deep.
- Total amount needed for testing is ½ cup-1 cup, which you can place in a plastic bag or other clean container.
- If soil is very wet allow to air dry but do not use heat to dry.
- Measure the size of the area you sampled/that you will be modifying (ex. 10 x 12 feet).
MORE COMPREHENSIVE SOIL TESTING AVAILABLE THROUGH RUTGER’S UNIVERSITY:
- Purchase a bag from us to send out for testing at Rutgers University.
- Take sample according to instructions in envelope, fill out form in envelope, and place in bag provided.
- Fill out form and mail bag (you pay postage) with additional payment if applicable (see below).
- Rutgers will mail or email you results and recommendations (5-10 day turnaround; quickest if you provide email); our office receives a copy of so you can call us with any questions (Dona 845-340-3990 x335).
| Test | Tests for | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Soil Fertility Analysis (basic test for home gardeners) | Soil pH and nutrient availability phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese, zinc, iron, boron | $25 cost of bag pays for this test |
| Soil Health | Microbial respiration as a biological indicator Carbon dioxide test and estimate of Nitrogen availability with adjustment recommendation | Additional $17 |
| Plant/Soil Suitability | Additional agronomic properties soluble salt level, organic matter content, % sand/silt/clay, textural class and gravel content | Additional $33 |
| Topsoil Evaluation | Particle-size distribution same as above with more detailed | Additional $66 |
| Lead (Pb) | Soil lead screening The only contaminant test Rutgers performs | Additional $17, or just lead test instead of Soil Fertility Analysis |
More extensive testing (i.e. pH plus nutrients):
We provide more extensive testing through Rutgers. The cost for the fertility test, is $25.00. You pick up the kit at our office and mail it yourself.
For Commercial Growers:
Commercial producers can receive technical assistance through Commercial Ag Program educators. For a list of staff and their areas of expertise, click here.
Soil Probe Rentals
Soil testing probes are available to borrow for up to 2 weeks for $5, plus an $80 refundable deposit (check or cash only). The probes provide a quick and easy way to recover shallow soil samples into a slotted probe body.