Soil Tests

How to Collect a Soil Sample

1. 1. Decide if your field can be treated as one sample or needs to be broken down into separate smaller samples. If you believe the soil type, previous crop and fertilizer treatments are consistent across the field, treat it as one sample. If soil type and topography change across the field, different crops have been planted on different parts of the field, or there are problem spots, break the field down into smaller units to sample.
   2. Using a soil probe, dig vertically to a depth of 4 inches for established fields such as brome, alfalfa or a no-till field. Fields that are worked up should have samples taken from 6 inches. Avoid sampling in old fence rows, dead furrows, low spots, feeding areas, and other areas that might give unusual results. If information is desired on these unusual areas, obtain a separate sample from the area.
   3. Take at least 10 – 15 samples from the field and mix the samples together in a clean container to create a representative sample. The more sub samples you take, the more assured you'll be that soil test results are representative of your field. Bring approximately two cups of the mixed soil to the Douglas County Extension Office in a paper bag.
   4. Samples should be dry. You can let samples air dry, but do not use heat to dry your samples.

No printer? No problem! We have copies at our office!

Other Available Tests for Producers

Proper collection of a representative soil sample is important for accurate analysis and test results. Follow these steps to obtain a good sample.

You Will Need:

• Clean plastic bucket
• Soil probe, trowel, or shovel
• Container for the soil sample: sturdy plastic bag, plastic container of any kind with a lid, metal container (e.g. coffee can) if not testing for metals.

Step 1

Identify uniform areas to be tested. For example, separate soil tests should be done on different garden beds or a garden and a lawn, or between the front lawn and back lawn if there are noticeable differences. Avoid sampling areas that might give misleading results. If information is desired on these unusual areas, obtain a separate sample for these areas. Avoid areas that have recently been fertilized.

Step 2

From each area, take enough samples to properly represent the area – 4 to 5 cores or slices are adequate for the average garden or lawn. Collect a vertical sample starting at the surface of the soil and digging 3 inches deep for lawns, 6 inches deep for flower/vegetable gardens, and 10-12 inches for trees and shrubs. Remove all plants, sod, or thatch from the sample.

Samples should be dry. If wet, air dry. Do not use heat to dry samples.

Step 3

Thoroughly mix all the samples from one area in the bucket. Bring two cups of that mixed soil to your local Extension Office in a resealable plastic bag or another plastic container. Samples may also be brought or shipped directly to the KSU Soil Testing Lab.

Step 4

At the Extension office you will fill out the Soil Information Sheet with your contact information, the source of your sample (lawn or garden type), and the soil analysis requested. If you prefer to fill out the Soil Information Sheet online, that is also available further down on this page. A price sheet is also available for other types of Soil Tests. Keep in mind that we charge a shipping fee that the prices on the "Farmer & Gardener Price List" sheet do not include. (Cash, check or credit card is accepted. Make checks payable to Douglas County Extension Council.)

Flowers and Ornamental Soil Information Sheet [Print PDF]

Vegetables, Fruits, and Nuts Soil Information Sheet [Print PDF]

Lawn and Turf Soil Information Sheet [Print PDF]