So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and get your soil tested. Fantastic! A soil test is the first step to a lush, green Bermuda grass lawn that’ll make your neighbors green with envy. But where should you get your soil tested? Well, for sure not one of those at-home junk testers from Amazon. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most reliable soil testing services in the USA, from university extension services to convenient at-home kits.
University Extension Services: The Gold Standard
Arkansas – University of Arkansas
Known for their comprehensive soil testing, including pH, nutrient levels, and even organic matter content.
California – UC Davis
UC Davis offers a wide range of soil tests, including specialized tests for specific crops and conditions.
Florida – University of Florida
Ideal for homeowners in the Sunshine State, offering tests that are tailored to Florida’s unique soil conditions.
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/agriculture/soil-testing
Georgia – University of Georgia
Solid all-around lab/
Indiana – Purdue University
Provides a detailed soil analysis report along with recommendations for soil amendments.
https://algreatlakes.com/pages/soil-analysis
Nebraska – University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Offers a variety of tests, including those for soil fertility and microbial activity.
https://cropwatch.unl.edu/nebraska-soil-testing-laboratories-unl-cropwatch-sept-21-2012
https://midwestlabs.com/get-started/pick-analysis-package
New Hampshire – The University of New Hampshire
Specializes in tests for cold-climate soils, perfect for homeowners in the Northeast.
New Jersey – Rutgers University
Known for their quick turnaround time and easy-to-understand reports.
https://njaes.rutgers.edu/soil-testing-lab
New York – Cornell University
Offers a comprehensive soil health assessment, including tests for soil respiration and aggregate stability.
https://soilhealthlab.cals.cornell.edu/testing-services
North Carolina – NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Soils Lab
This is a free soil testing service for North Carolina residents, except during peak season Dec-Mar when they charge a modest $4 fee.
https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/agronomic-services/soil-testing
Ohio – The Ohio State University
Provides a wide range of tests, including those for heavy metals, making it ideal for urban gardeners.
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1132
Oregon – Oregon State University
Specializes in tests for acidic soils, perfect for those growing berries or rhododendrons. Their prices are quite high however so consider sending it to another school.
https://cropandsoil.oregonstate.edu/shl/testing-services/soil-testing
South Carolina – Clemson University
Standard soil tests start at just $6.00. View all tests here.
Texas – Texas A&M
Offers specialized tests for alkaline soils, common in the Lone Star State.
https://soiltesting.tamu.edu/soiltesting/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/05/soilwebform.pdf
Vermont – The University of Vermont
Provides tests for a variety of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
https://www.uvm.edu/extension/agricultural-and-environmental-testing-lab
Private Companies
The offices above offer soil tests for a great price because they are not businesses looking to make a healthy profit. However, there are still plenty of private companies that offer soil testing for a competitive price. It’s not a good business to be in because the equipment is expensive and the soil tests do not pay well. However, here are a few that continue to offer great services for a reasonable price.
Logan Labs
Straight numbers, fast turnaround, and very consistent results. Most lawn nerds and pros use them as the default.
Waypoint Analytical
Big ag lab that handles tons of farmer samples, so their accuracy is solid. They offer multiple panels, including simple lawn ones.
Spectrum Analytic
Known for clear reports and balanced recommendations. Often used by people who want an easy-to-read layout.
Midwest Laboratories
Large, well-equipped lab with dependable consistency. Good if you want detailed breakdowns beyond just the basics.
Kinsey Ag
Follows the Albrecht base-saturation philosophy, which some people really like. Good for tailored recommendations if you prefer that style.
At-Home Soil Testing Kits
There seems to be an obsession from the residential market with test kits that are sent to you. In reality, you don’t need anything special to do a soil test. Just a bag to put the soil in and a printer for the form. However, even though I’ve repeated this message to thousands of people, there is a ___ attraction for some to a test kit, like what you see on Amazon.
MySoil
Convenient and easy to use, MySoil offers a soil test that you can do from the comfort of your home. They’re a bit easier to work with but a bit more expensive than some of the schools. Order a MySoil test here.
MySoil tests (and similar ones on the market) use a paste extraction method that only detects nutrients soluble in deionized water, missing other essential nutrients available to plants. This method falls short of capturing the complex interactions turfgrass roots have with the soil, which include mobilizing nutrients not readily soluble. University labs, however, use more sophisticated extractants like Mehlich or Bray that mimic root processes, providing a complete and accurate assessment of nutrient availability.
Conclusion
Whether you opt for a university extension service or an at-home kit, the important thing is to get your soil tested. Your Bermuda grass lawn is only as good as the soil it’s grown in, so make the investment in a quality soil test. You won’t regret it!
So go ahead, pick the service that’s right for you, and take the first step toward a lawn that’ll be the talk of the town. Trust us, your Bermuda grass will thank you!
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