Soil Testing

Madison Co. SWCD provides soil testing for the establishment and maintenance of lawns, gardens, and trees. Our tests provide information on the soil's nutrients, pH, and recommendations for care based on the information provided. The tests require about 16 ounces of soil and information on the location and plants present in the area. It is highly recommended to perform soil tests in the fall or spring before applying fertilizer to your lawn or garden. Results can take several weeks to receive during busy season.

For Lawn and Garden  $30

Organic Matter, Available Phosphorus, Exchangeable Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Soil pH, Buffer pH (if needed), and Cation Exchange Capacity with graphic display of results and suggested fertilizer materials.

Importance of Soil Organic Matter (SOM)

www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Books/Building-Soils-for-Better-Crops-3rd-Edition/Text-Version/Organic-Matter-What-It-Is-and-Why-It-s-So-Important/Why-Soil-Organic-Matter-Is-So-Important

Fertilizing Lawns with Water Quality in Mind

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/fertilizing-home-lawns-to-protect-water-quality

See the short video below for tips on collecting a soil sample

Note: Our office does not currently have a "T" probe for rent. If you want to bring the soil to our office in a container (paper/plastic bag, clean plastic container, etc.) we will place it in the bag for the lab and mail it.