|
Why Test Your Soil?
Lawn and garden plants require 18 nutrients for healthy growth and productivity. The soil is a reservoir of these nutrients. Plants utilize these nutrients but they need to be replenished from time to time. By having your soil tested you can learn which nutrients are present and which ones need to be added. You can avoid over-application of fertilizers which can waste money, reduce plant quality and pollute streams, lakes and groundwater. Based on soil test results, a custom fertilization program is developed to meet the needs of your plants and safeguard the environment.
Obtaining a MSU Soil Test
1) You need to obtain a MSU soil test kit for each sample you want tested. The kit includes written instructions for properly collecting a soil sample and a special MSU soil test box. The cost per soil test kit is $15.00 if picked up at the MSU Extension-Oakland County office.
You may also have soil test kits mailed directly to you. Enclose the mail order form along with a check made payable to MSU Extension-Oakland in the amount of $17.00 for each soil test kit ordered. Send to the address on the order form. We will mail the soil test kit(s) to you.
The cost of the soil test kit covers the cost of the soil analysis and a custom fertilization program developed to meet the needs of your plants and safeguard the environment.
2) After following the instructions listed below (Taking a Soil Sample), you can bring the soil to the MSU Extension office in Pontiac and we will deliver your sample to the lab for no additional cost. Or, if you have a soil test kit, you may mail the box directly to the MSU Soil and Plant Testing Lab in East Lansing.
Taking a Soil Sample
1) Decide whether you want to test soil for the lawn, trees, shrubs, flower garden, or vegetable garden. You'll need a spade or trowel and a clean plastic pail.
2) Collect at least 10 representative soil samples from one type of landscape area -- such as your lawn, flower garden, around trees or shrubs, or vegetable garden. Dig to the bottom of the plant roots (3" deep for lawn or 7" deep or more for flowers, vegetables, or trees). Do not include plant material or debris (roots, thatch, etc.) in the soil collected. Each small soil sample should be about 1/2 cup.
3) Mix these samples together in the plastic pail (do not use a metal pail if you order a specialized test for micronutrients).
4) Remove 1 1/2 to 2 cups of soil from the mixture. Place the sample in a container and bring it to the MSU Extension office in Pontiac. If you have the special MSU soil box, fill it 2/3 to 3/4 full with relatively dry soil. It is acceptable if the soil is damp, but if it is really wet put the soil in a plastic bag inside the soil box. If the soil is relatively dry it should not be placed in a plastic bag and can be placed directly into the soil box.
5) If the soil is very wet, you may want to partially air dry the soil. Do not use artificial heat (radiators, ovens, etc.) to force-dry the sample.
When Will I Receive the Results?
Depending on the time of year you will receive your results and interpretation in approximately 2-3 weeks. Please plan accordingly.
Questions?
For further information or questions about testing your soil, call or e-mail the MSU Extension Plant and Pest Hotline at 248/858-0902.
| 
Michigan State University Extension - Oakland County
