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Home and Garden in East Central Missouri

Soil Testing

Want a greener lawn? A healthier garden? A soil test from University of Missouri Extension can help!

Did you know you can have your soil tested
by the University of Missouri Extension Soil Testing Lab?

How to collect a soil sample  |  Where to submit a soil sample

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Soil testing tells you:
  • what nutrients are available in your soil
  • recommendations to correct problems.

    • In most cases, you only need to run a soil test every 4-5 years. If results are significantly out of range, you may need to recheck the soil in only 1-2 years. Soil testing can help improve your soil’s ability to grow grass or specific plants.

    A "regular" soil test provides this information:
    • pH level (acidity or alkalinity)
    • phosphorus
    • potassium
    • calcium
    • magnesium
    • organic matter percent
    • recommendations for corrective treatment.

    How to collect a soil sample   |   Watch a short video
    1. Select area you want to test. (It should be dry.)
    2. Take 6-12 cores from area to be tested. For each core, sample to a 3-inch depth on established lawns and to a 6-inch depth for all other situations.
    3. Place all cores in a plastic pail.
    4. Remove live plant material.
    5. Mix collected cores and break up any clumps.
    6. Air dry the soil sample overnight. (Do not put soil in the microwave or oven!)
    7. Place about 2 cups of the dried soil in a zip-locked plastic bag to submit for the test.
    8. Take soil sample to your local MU Extension office.

    Where to submit a soil sample in East Central Missouri

    MU Extension offices in these East Central Missouri counties accept soil samples. For office hours, directions and costs, click on name of the county nearest you.

    Results and recommendations: Will be returned by mail about 2 weeks after submitting the sample.

    For more information:

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    University of Missouri Extension East Central Regional Director's Office
    Bud Reber, Regional Director
    Page Maintained By: Roxanne T. Miller,
    MillerRT@missouri.edu
    Last revised: 05/09/08    		 Find an Office