Soil

Lead in soil test

Does MU test for lead levels in soil?

MU Soil and Plant Diagnostic Services can analyze the lead content in soil. The cost for analyzing total lead content in soil is $15 per sample, and extractable lead content would be $10 per sample. There will be a setup charge of $25 for less than 10 samples. Our lab mainly does soil fertility analysis for agriculture producers, horticulturists, home owners and the turf industry. However, we are equipped to run environmental tests upon request. I would suggest that you take a 0 to 3 inch depth sample for lead testing as most of the lead contamination would be expected to stay on the soil surface. The second option is to go for 0 to 6 inch depth.

Manjula Nathan
Director
Soil Testing and Plant Diagnostic Services

Soil test kit

Where I can request a soil test kit?

Soil test kits can be obtained from any County Extension Office or by e-mailing the Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory or calling 573-882-0623. You can submit samples to the lab through your local County Extension Office or by mailing direct to the lab. Information on how to take and submit samples, testing fees and sample information forms can be obtained by visiting the MU Soil and Plant Diagnostic Services Web site.

Manjula Nathan
Director
Soil Testing and Plant Diagnostic Services

Soil sample timing

I have sample cores from when I aerated the lawn two weeks ago. They are in a plastic bucket. Can I still use them, or has something leached out of the sample during this time? I also have samples sitting in a metal mixing bowl. Are they safe to use?

You can use the sample cores taken during aeration of your lawn, provided they have been taken at the correct depth. Recommended sampling depth for lawns and garden is six inches. If you are just testing the soil for fertility status (pH, neutralizable acidity, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium and organic matter) timing is not an issue. To avoid micronutrient (zinc, iron and copper) contamination, I recommend a clean, plastic pail for sampling. If you are just testing for regular fertility and not micronutrients, you should be fine using the sample you have saved in a metal bowl.

I recommend you visit the MU Soil and Plant Diagnostic Services Web site to learn how to sample your lawn and garden, and to obtain information on fees for analysis, how to submit a sample to the lab and how to interpret your test results.

Manjula Nathan
Director
Soil Testing and Plant Diagnostic Services

Sending soil samples

I just bought a new house with extremely poor grass and soil. I would like to get my soil tested to find out what I can do to improve it. Do I need to put any additional information on the sample? Can you suggest a common household item for a soil sample box? Are there different soil testing options and what does it cost for these services?

You can obtain soil sample boxes at no charge from your local MU Extension center or use a clean zip-type plastic bag. Mail the sample with completed information form and a check made out to MU Soil Testing to the MU Soil and Plant Diagnostic Services, 23 Mumford Hall, Columbia, MO 65211. Information on how to submit a sample, sample information forms and fees can be obtained from the Web site along with directions for taking representative lawns and garden samples.

Manjula Nathan
Director
Soil Testing and Plant Diagnostic Services

Reducing field's acidity

I have seven acres on which I planted roundup ready soy beans. They were broadcast as opposed to row planted. These plants grew only to a height of six inches and bore beans, but all in all things were very poor.

I had a soil sample done at the county extension office. It showed a pH of 4.6.

The soil sample did not express the amount of lime needed to reduce acidity. My plan is to disc in approximately three tons of pulverized powdered lime per acre. Is this the correct amount to achieve an appropriate level of acidity?

If you used the MU Soil and Plant Diagnostic Services the lime recommendation is listed under limestone suggestions. The soil test report provides you with the Effective Neutralizing Material (ENM) suggested for your field. This is the value to determine how much lime you need to apply to your field.

When purchasing limestone ask what the ENM is. They should provide you a guaranteed value of their lime in terms of ENM per ton.

As an example, if your ENM recommendation is 1200 per acre and the guaranteed lime ENM is 400 per ton, the recommended lime rate equals 1200/400 or 3 tons per acre.

There are two MU Web pages about this.

This second page may have more information then you need but has detail information on ENM, including how it affects the value of lime.

You definitely need to raise the pH of your field if you plan on successfully raising a soybean crop. In no-till systems we recommend not exceeding 1500 ENM in a single application so the surface pH does not get too high. In this situation you would retest the soil in a year or two and then apply lime again if is needed. On tilled fields you can apply the whole recommended rate as a single application and then incorporate it.

Another resource for answers on this question is your local extension office.

John A. Lory
Environmental Nutrient Management Specialist