General Program Information

What soil tests are available:

We offer several types of tests to meet the needs of our varied clientele. The "Soil Fertility Tests" and the "Lead Screening Test" are the tests most commonly used by farmers, homeowners, landscapers and others who:

want to know the fertility of their soil for the purpose of growing plants,

who are having difficulty growing plants and want to determine pH or fertility problems are the cause, or

who are concerned about the possible contamination of their yard or garden soil with lead.

A summary of these tests is shown here:

Test	Description	Fee
Routine Soil Test	pH, lime requirement, organic matter, Mehlich 3 extractable nutrients [Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Calcium(Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Boron (B), Sulfur (S) and Aluminum (Al)] and recommendations for three plants / crops.	$10.00
Soluble Salts	Measures dissolved salts, high levels of which may inhibit seed germination and be harmful to seedlings and sensitive plants.	$4.00
Pre-sidedress Soil Nitrate Test for Corn	Measures soil nitrate levels in the soil at the point of maximum nitrogen uptake. Includes N recommendations and 24 hour turn around.	$6.00
Soil Lead Screening	An initial screen for those who suspect that their soil may be contaminated with lead. The test requires a special soil test kit with specific instructions on collecting the sample. This test is only a screen and further testing by an environmental laboratory may be recommended based upon the results.	$10.00

Upon request, soil samples can be tested for heavy metals (in addition to the Soil Lead Screening test listed above): Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), and Nickel (Ni). Also upon request, soil samples can be tested for Sodium (Na). Contact the program at 302-831-1392 or email: Soiltest@udel.edu for additional information on requests for testing for the presence of heavy metals or sodium.

Additional information on testing soils for Lead, Arsenic and other heavy metals in Soils:

Researchers or students interested in the availability of testing soil for the presence of elements not listed above should contact the program at 302-831-1392 or email: Soiltest@udel.edu.

The program also offers a variety of other tests for soils, plants, waters and other materials. For further information on all the tests offered, along with their fees, see the Soil Testing Program Fee Schedule.

Please note that the UD Soil Testing Program currently only accepts soil fertility test samples from the states of Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. This is due to the nature of the soils and methods used to determine fertility. If you have soils from outside these states, we can assist you in locating an appropriate laboratory to perform the fertility testing. Contact us at 302-831-1392 or Soiltest@udel.edu.

Soil samples for lead testing are accepted from any state. (Instructions / Information Form).

Samples of plant, water and other materials are accepted from any state.

How do I have my soil tested?

To have your soil tested, purchase the appropriate University of Delaware soil test kit at one of the locations listed below. (Refer to the section below: Where can I get a soil test kit?). The kit consists of an envelope with cloth bag attached and an information sheet appropriate to the type of testing you require (e.g., commercial farm, lawn&garden, soil lead screening, PSNT). Following the directions given in the "How to Collect a Soil Sample" brochure, use a clean bucket and trowel, spade or soil probe to collect a representative sample of the site. Thoroughly mix the soil. Place 1 to 1½ cups of mixed soil into the plastic bag and place the plastic bag into the cloth bag. Tie the end closed with the drawstring. Fill out the information sheet and enclose it in the envelope. The completed sample can then be returned to the Soil Testing Program. Refer to the section below: How do I return my soil sample for processing?

Circular 18: How to Take a Soil Sample for Commercial Crop Production

Circular 19: How To Take a Soil Sample for Home Lawns and Gardens

When do I pay for my sample?

Soil testing services are pre-paid, that is you pay for them when you purchase your kit. If, after purchasing your kit, you decide that you would like to add an additional test (e.g., soluble salts), check off the appropriate box on the information sheet and enclose a check for the appropriate amount and payable to "University of Delaware" in the envelope portion of your soil test kit.

Where can I get a soil test kit?

Option A: (On-Line)

Soil test kits may be purchased on-line from this web site by going to the Order Kits tab.

Or;

Option B: (County Extension Office)

Soil test kits can be purchased at any of the three UD Cooperative Extension Offices listed below. For directions or hours of operation, click on the county name. (Maps are shown below)

New Castle County	Kent County	Sussex County
461 Wyoming Rd Newark, DE 19716 (302) 831-2506	Paradee Center 69 Transportation Circle Dover, DE 19901 (302) 730-4000	Research and Education Center 16483 County Seat Highway Georgetown, DE 19947 (302) 856-7303

Or;

Option C: (On-site or via mail)

Soil test kits may also be purchased on-site or ordered directly from the UD Soil Testing Program. To order by mail, send a letter indicating the number and type of kits requested along with check for the appropriate amount payable to "University of Delaware". Be sure to indicate the address to which the kits should be mailed. Send the request to:

UD Soil Testing Program
Department of Plant and Soil Sciences
152 Townsend Hall
531 South College Avenue
Newark, DE 19716-2170

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Or;

Option D: (Local Businesses)

Soil test kits may also be picked up at various local garden centers, landscaping companies, seed companies, etc. The vendors offer the kits as a convenience to their customers and do not charge any fee. Payment instructions for the soil test are listed inside the kit. For more information (locations, directions, phone and website) click here.

Or;

Option E:

Must I use UD Soil Test Kits to submit my samples? No. The preferred method is to use the cloth bag soil test kit, but you may submit your samples in other containers such as ziplock bags. Each UD Soil Test Kit is marked with a serial number making tracking throughout the process extremely reliable. If you choose to use other containers, clearly label the container with your name or company name and the sample's identification. Include a completed sample information sheet which can be downloaded from this website at: http://ag.udel.edu/dstp/Forms_page.html.

How do I return my soil sample for processing?

Soil samples can be returned directly to the UD Soil Testing Program, to the nearest UD Cooperative Extension office, by US Mail (see note below), or other delivery services such as FedEx or UPS. USPS postage is usually about $2.00-$3.00 per sample. Multiple samples can be mailed together in one envelope or box to save on mailing costs.

Drop Off Locations:

UD Soil Testing Program
152 Townsend Hall
531 South College Avenue
Newark, DE 19716-2170
302-831-1392
Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 4:30PM
(Directions)

New Castle County Cooperative Extension Office
461 Wyoming Road
Newark, DE 19716
302-831-2506
Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 4:30PM
24 hour drop box left side of building next to rear door.

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Kent County Cooperative Extension Office
University of Delaware Paradee Center
69 Transportation Circle
Dover DE 19901
302-730-4000
Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 4:30PM
24 hour drop box right side of building.

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Sussex County Cooperative Extension Office
Elbert N. And Ann V. Carvel Research and Education Center
16483 County Seat Highway
Georgetown, DE 19947
302-856-7303
Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 4:30PM
24 hour drop box available.

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Submitting Samples by United States Postal Service:

If you wish to submit soil samples by mail, there are two basic options:

Take the sample to a local Post Office retail counter;

Use the USPS web site to create a shipping label and request a pickup from your location. Instructions.

Please note: The United States Postal Service will not accept any package / envelope / etc. that is over 13 oz if it is placed in a blue collection box, Post Office lobby drop, Automated Postal Center drop, or any other unattended location. If your mailpiece weighs more than 13 oz and is bearing only stamps as postage, you’ll need to take it to the retail counter of a Post Office™, Contract Postal Unit, or Approved Shipper location. If left in a mailbox, it won’t be picked up; if dropped in a collection box or lobby drop, it will be returned to you. In general, a soil sample will exceed the 13 oz limit. (Per USPS Regulations).

How long will it take to get my results?

Typically, your results will be mailed out within 10 working days (M-F) of the sample's arrival at the laboratory. During peak periods (December - Early April), it may be as long as 15 working days.

Who do I call if I have a question about my results?

Questions about your soil test results and / or recommendations can be answered by either your local county Extension agent or by the Master Gardener Garden Help Line. The phone numbers for Delaware Cooperative offices are listed above and are also printed on the soil test report for all Delaware residents. Clients from other states can find the phone numbers for their local Cooperative Extension office in their local phone book.

What if I lose my report or change my mind about what I want to grow?

Soil test results are stored in our archive for several years. If you wish to have new reports generated, please call the Soil Testing Program Office at (302) 831-1392. Give us your name, bag number and/or lab number and we will be happy to generate a new report for you.

Reporting Procedures

Routine fertility test reports are printed on UD Soil Test Report Forms. Reports for other sample types are usually generated in spreadsheet format. Hardcopies of reports will be mailed to the client and any other designated party specified on the sample information sheet or the analysis request form.

Copies of routine fertility soil test reports for Delaware clients will be sent to their County Extension Office so that Cooperative Extension Staff my assist clients with questions about their reports. Individual report information will not be released to any persons other than those whose names are listed on the report except by the written request of the paying client(s) to the Director of the University of Delaware Soil Testing Program.

Electronic copies of reports, either as pdf files, a spreadsheet or NuManPro data file, may be requested in addition to the hardcopy version. Please provide your e-mail address on your information sheet or analysis request form to be sent an electronic copy.

152 Townsend Hall
531 S. College Avenue
Newark, DE 19716-2170
(302) 831-1392
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30pm M-F

Site Map

Soil Samples Received In Lab

Want to receive email notification when your sample(s) is received by the lab? Include your email address on the information sheet in the comments section.