LAB RESULTS ARE REPORTED BY EMAIL ONLY*
So please provide legible email addresses on the forms below
The routine soil test is all one normally needs for a fertility evaluation. Soil samples are analyzed and computer recommendations generated usually within 3 working days of receipt. Laboratory reports are emailed directly back to you and are also available from your local Extension office, which can provide additional assistance if needed. Your agent also serves as a central, local guide and contact to other Extension labs, clinics, and Extension specialists. Locate your Virginia Cooperative Extension office.
Virginia Tech Soil TESTS and their COST:
| CHARGES per sample | (In-State) | (Out-of-State) |
| Routine Test Package | $10.00* | $16.00 |
| Soluble Salts | $2.00 | $3.00 |
| Organic Matter | $4.00 | $6.00 |
* No charge for in-state commercial farm samples
(soil pH,P,K,Ca,Mg,Zn,Mn,Cu,Fe,B, and estimated CEC, plus a fertilizer and lime recommendation)
FORMS
One of the forms below must accompany each soil sample that is sent to the lab. Use another laboratory to test compost, mulch, potting soil, solutions, ash, biosolids and manure samples.
Homeowners and Landscapers:
- Information Sheet for Home Lawns, Gardens, Fruit, and Ornamentals #452-125
- Forma para el Muestreo de Suelos de Céspedes, Jardines, Frutas y Ornamentales en el Hogar #452-125S
Commercial:
- Information Sheet for Commercial Crop Production, #452-124
- Information Sheet for Golf Courses & Industrial Lawns #452-128
- Information Sheet for Field Grown Nursery Production #452-126 - For growth media containing greater than 50% organic matter (e.g. potting soil), use a lab offering Soilless Media Testing.
- Information Sheet for Surface-Mined Areas #452-127 - no longer used Use either the Commercial Crop or Industrial Lawns form instead.
*If a printed hard copy of a report is desired, one can be obtained by going to your local Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) office. To help ensure that reports arrive in your email's inbox, you can:
1) Download the sample form above and enter your name and email into the form before printing the front side of the form.
2) To your email's contact list, add the address soiltest@vt.edu .
Reports can still end up in a spam/junk folder, so search those folders for "soiltest". If a report is found labeled as spam, mark it as "Not Spam" to help with future reporting.
Why test?
Plants can produce their own energy, but require a fertile soil or growth media to supply needed nutrients. Healthy, well-fed plants are better able to withstand diseases and insects and to compete with weeds. For a few dollars a chemical soil analysis can check your soil's fertility and determine if any corrective action is needed. A soil test is the best tool available for determining the lime and fertilizer needed for the best economic and environmental production of crops, gardens, and more healthy, beautiful lawns. Testing the soil takes out the guesswork and prevents you from under or over liming and fertilizing, either of which will cost you both in dollars and plant growth.
Don't Guess, Soil Test!