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Safe Soil in gardening #772553

Asked September 21, 2021, 2:30 PM EDT

Is there a test kit I can purchase to check my soil in my raised bed garden for heavy metals or contamination?

Otsego County Michigan

Expert Response

Thank you Kacey for your question! The Soil and Plant Nutrient Laboratory (msu.edu) on the campus of Michigan State University can test (#1B) your garden soil for pH, phosphorous, potassium, calcium and magnesium as outlined on Tests and Fees - Soil and Plant Nutrient Laboratory (msu.edu) for a fee of $23.00. Directions about sampling are on the website. A small portion of your soil is sent out for tests that are not done in house, such as boron, sulfur, lead and arsenic. Questions can be directed to<personal data hidden>.

The laboratory does not test for any contaminants or heavy metals, but does send these requests out to a local laboratory, Merit Laboratories, Inc. (meritlabs.com). They can be reached at ph.<personal data hidden> with specific questions about what they test and their fee structure. 

An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 22, 2021, 10:07 PM EDT

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