Why should I have my soil tested?
Getting a soil test is a way to find out information about your soil that you have no other way of obtaining. You will receive a fertilizer recommendation to correct any deficiency, as well as pH adjustment, if necessary. The soil test will not show evidence of insect problems, disease or soil contamination.
What types of soil tests are available?
The homeowner/residential test will have recommendations for fertilizer that is given in pounds per 1,000 square feet of area.
There are farms/large acreage recommendations given in tons per acre.
The greenhouse test is for artificial growth media (soilless mixtures) used for greenhouse growing.
Call the Yard and Garden Center
at 248-858-0902 for information about other specialized tests that are available for addition cost.
How do I take a sample?
A clean plastic bucket or container and a trowel or small shovel are needed.
Decide on the kind of test you want.
Go to about a dozen locations in the area to be tested.
Dig down to the recommended depth and take all the soil from the top down to the bottom in one thin slice.
Basically, the soil will be coming from the area in which the roots are growing.
Place all the samples for that test in one container and then mix them up.
This averages the area and the soil depths.
Pick out any sticks, rocks, roots or other plant material.
Measure 1 1/2 to 2 cups of soil and put it into a plastic sandwich bag.
If the soil is very wet, allow it to air dry before placing in the plastic bag.
If you have a question about how to gather a soil sample, please call the Yard and Garden Center
Can I use one test for multiple kinds of plants, like vegetable garden and lawn?
No. If you do, you will be disappointed with the results. The test is geared to what you want to grow, whether it is vegetables or flowers or lawn or trees and shrubs. Each kind of plant has different requirements for nutrients and soil pH. Unfortunately, they are not interchangeable.
How much soil is needed for the soil test?
Homeowner/residential: 1 cup
Farm/large acreage: 1 1/2 to 2 cups
Greenhouse test: one quart
Do you test the soil at your office?
No, you mail the soil test kit envelope to Michigan State University's Soil and Plant Nutrient Laboratory in East Lansing. The soil test lab then emails the results to you.
How long does it take to get results?
It takes approximately two to three weeks to receive the results.
How much does a soil test cost?
If you'd like to purchase online with your credit card, you can purchase the self-mailer soil test kit (includes a postage paid envelope) at the MSU Extension Bookstore
for $25.00 plus shipping.
How often should I have my soil tested?
We recommend a soil test every 3 years.