Knowledgebase

Soil contaminants #891464

Asked January 10, 2025, 12:38 PM EST

Hello, I'm a small time gardener. The neighbors of a house i now own says the person before me was "burning tires and other things you aren't supposed to burn" prior to me moving in. How can I get my soil tested for contamination? I want to plant in that spot but I want to make sure it's ok first. Thanks

Macomb County Michigan

Expert Response

Thank you for contacting MSU Extension about soil tests. While MSU Extension does have a soil test program, our lab does not test for heavy metals, pesticide residue, or PFOS.  Please refer to our article (https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/testing-for-contaminants-in-soil-water-and-plants) for recommended labs who will test for those types of contaminants.  

MSU Extension's soil test program will test your soil for elements essential in growing plants. You can purchase soil sample bags through Michigan State University Extension and receive recommendations directly from MSU. A&L Labs analyze the soil samples and send results to MSU Extension where a recommendation will be generated and sent to you by expert MSU Extension staff. All MSU recommendations utilize the latest research and follow state laws and guidelines.

Home Lawn and Garden soil self-mailers including sample bags are available for purchase through local MSU Extension offices (https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/county) or even easier through the MSU Bookstore at https://shop.msu.edu/collections/garden-lawn/products/bulletin-e3154 where they are mailed directly to you. The self-mailers cost $26 (which includes shipping) and look similar to previous self-mailers if you happen to be familiar with those.

Commercial soil sample bags can only be purchased in person at MSU Extension offices. The cost for the commercial samples is $18 and does not include shipping costs to A&L Labs.

Please note it is important clients purchase the correct sample bag (Home Lawn and Garden vs. Commercial). There are different recommendations for commercial and home lawn and garden samples.


Thank you for reaching out. Best wishes!

An Ask Extension Expert Replied January 10, 2025, 1:03 PM EST

Loading ...