General Soil Testing Information

What soil tests do you offer?

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 (P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, Cu, Fe, B, and S) 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

The "Soil Characterization Tests" are used most frequently by researchers who need to measure and/or monitor soil properties.

For a further information on the soil tests offered, along with their fees, click on the "Soil Tests" button on the left.

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. 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 by returning it to the nearest UD Cooperative Extension office or by US Mail. 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.

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?

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.

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

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:

University of Delaware Soil Testing Program
152 Townsend Hall 531 S. College Avenue Newark, DE 19717-1303	(302) 831-1392 Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30pm M-F

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.