MSU Extension Soil Web Pages for Consumers

Soil Samples

You will need the following equipment to take samples of your soil:

• One clean plastic bucket or other vessel, between one and five gallons size.
• One clean six to ten inch long trowel or a soil probe. You may borrow a soil probe from our office.
• A clean plastic tray or sheeting (newspaper works good too) to dry the samples on.

If you are testing just one area for one type of crop such as vegetables, flowers, or turf, take all of your sub-samples from that area. You should collect twenty random sub-samples from the area, evenly spaced. See Diagram 1, (below) for instructions on taking a sub-sample. If you have one area of turf grass, one of perennials, and another of vegetables, (see Diagram 2, below) you'll end up with three soil tests, composed of twenty random sub-samples for each area. For areas which are or will be planted with turf, dig samples about three to four inches deep. For all other crops, dig samples about six to eight inches deep. Avoid taking samples from areas which are not representative, for instance from close to driveways and roads, near brush or manure piles, potholes, or burned areas. Combine all the sub-samples from each area in the clean plastic bucket, air dry one to three days. Bring the sample(s) to our office, where we will collect fifteen dollars ($15.00) per test.  We mail your soil test to Michigan State University Soil Lab, once the Soil Lab has tested and analyzed the sample a report will be sent to you which details the soil's texture, nutrient levels, and nutrient holding capacity along with any pertinent bulletins.  After reviewing your report and bulletins if you have any further questions you may call the office for additional help.
 

Diagram 1: How to take sub-samples.

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested three days before the event by calling to make the arrangements, requests received after three days will be met when possible.

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