Soil Testing - Ask Extension
What is the best method for a home gardener to get an accurate test of soil pH and nutrients? Are kits accurate or is a lab necessary?
Knowledgebase
Soil Testing #682665
Asked March 04, 2021, 1:32 PM EST
What is the best method for a home gardener to get an accurate test of soil pH and nutrients? Are kits accurate or is a lab necessary?
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Rebecca,
The most precise way to test soil pH and nutrients is to send a soil sample to a professional laboratory. Home test kits offer estimates and, depending upon the kind of test, can be challenging to read the results.
In the metro counties, we suggest A & L Labs because they use the same techniques as are found in Oregon State University publications. Request a general soil test for a home garden (specify lawn, vegetables, etc.). Also request recommendations. The $35 to $40 fee is money well spent. Visit their website for details: A &L Test Laboratory
If you repeat a soil test in every 2 or 3 years, use the same lab as you did originally. The reason? Various laboratories use different procedures for the same test.
The most precise way to test soil pH and nutrients is to send a soil sample to a professional laboratory. Home test kits offer estimates and, depending upon the kind of test, can be challenging to read the results.
In the metro counties, we suggest A & L Labs because they use the same techniques as are found in Oregon State University publications. Request a general soil test for a home garden (specify lawn, vegetables, etc.). Also request recommendations. The $35 to $40 fee is money well spent. Visit their website for details: A &L Test Laboratory
If you repeat a soil test in every 2 or 3 years, use the same lab as you did originally. The reason? Various laboratories use different procedures for the same test.