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Soil testing laboratories in Southern California are: Associated Labs, Orange (714-771-6900) Waypoint Analytical, Inc., Anaheim (714-282-8777) Wallace Laboratories, El Segundo (800-473-3699) The PACE Turfgrass Research facility in Oceanside (760-272-9897) maintains a list of soil analytical laboratories.
Where do I test my soil?
Your local cooperative extension office can test your soil sample for pH and nutrient levels (some states charge a small fee). The soil analysis usually takes a few weeks to process.
Are home soil test kits accurate?
Complete kits typically promise to test nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and pH, which are the most important basics. Though these test kits and meters may seem like the perfect alternative to lab testing, they typically aren’t as accurate. Perhaps the most important measurement of a soil test is that of the pH.
Are soil tests worth it?
Getting a soil test is a great way to measure its health and fertility. These tests are generally inexpensive, though well worth any cost when it comes to growing and maintaining healthy plants in the garden.
How do I get my soil tested in NC?
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agronomic Division will analyze your soil samples free of charge or for a small fee. Forms and boxes for samples are available from your local county Cooperative Extension center.
Can I test my soil myself?
Basic do-it-yourself soil test kits are an inexpensive and easy way to determine if your soil is missing vital nutrients. Or, for a small fee, your local Cooperative Extension Service will test your soil for you. Either way, you’ll learn which soil amendments you’ll need for your lawn, vegetables and flowers.
Can I test my own soil?
Home test kits are available at gardening centers; they are not as accurate or thorough as professional testing through your local county extension office. And the good news is that your county extension soil test is usually free or low cost.
What is the most accurate soil tester?
10 Best Soil Test Kit Reviews Rapitest Premium Soil Test Kit 1663. Luster Leaf 1605 Rapitest Digital Soil Test Kit. Luster Leaf 1847 Rapitest Digital PLUS. Luster Leaf 1880 Rapitest 4-Way Analyzer. Soil Savvy Soil Test Kit. Luster Leaf 1601 Rapitest Soil Test Kit. AquaChek AccuGrow 571802 Soil Test Strips.
What does lime do to soil?
Adding lime to soil raises the soil pH and keeps the correct pH-range for grasses to thrive. When the soil is at the optimal pH level, more nutrients like nitrogen from lawn fertilizer is available for the grass to utilize, allowing grass to grow fuller and thicker.
Do I need to test my soil before planting?
Testing soil — especially new garden soil — helps guarantee your vegetables and other plants will do their best during the growing season. And springtime, just before you begin planting, is the best time to do it. Home kits are not only effective but make soil testing easy.
How long does it take to get your soil test results?
Generally, a soil sample sent in for a Routine soil test will be processed within five business days of the date it is received into the Lab. If the sample is mailed to the Lab, allow two or three days for the sample to get to the Lab and another two to three days for your soil test results to be mailed back to you.
What will a soil test tell you?
The soil tests indicate soil pH and the levels of nutrients that are available for proper plant growth. The pH of the soil is a measurement of relative acidity. Soils that are too acid are not suitable for many plants to grow at an optimum rate.
How much does a soil sample cost in NC?
Costs: Generally soil tests cost $7 to $10.00 per sample.
How much does it cost to process a soil sample if you are a North Carolina resident?
The cost is $5 per sample for North Carolina residents and $25 for out-of-state residents, and test results are available online two working days after samples are checked in to the laboratory.
How long does a soil test last?
Under normal circumstances the time it takes to complete a soil test onsite is dependent on what’s involved and encountered. Normally 20-30 minutes up to 2 hours in some cases.
How can I test my soil without a kit?
Fortunately, you can test your garden soil pH without a soil test kit for a fraction of the price. Collect 1 cup of soil from different parts of your garden and put 2 spoonfuls into separate containers. Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the soil. If it fizzes, you have alkaline soil, with a pH between 7 and 8.
How do you test soil for nutrients without a kit?
Add 1/2 cup of water to the soil sample and mix. Then, add 1/2 cup of vinegar. If the soil shows a visible bubbling or fizzing action, then it has an alkaline pH. The chemical reaction that you’re seeing occurs when an acid (vinegar) comes into contact with something alkaline (soil).
How can I test my soil for toxins?
Soil tests usually are used to optimize fertilizer use but can also be done to test for contaminants. Contact a university or private soil testing laboratory, and then expect to wait from a few days to a few weeks to receive the results.
When should you test your soil?
You can perform a soil test any time of the year, but fall is preferable — simply make it a part of your annual fall garden routine. Similarly, go ahead and do a soil test if you consistently experience unhealthy plants in an area of your garden for no discernible reason.
