soil sampling questions

paradajky · June 12, 2023

Hi:
My university extension center doesn't do soil samples, but instead provides a list of commercial groups that perform soil analysis for a fee (and it's kind of pricey).

These vendors provide instructions for gathering a sample which includes collection from a few different sections of the garden.

The specific 8x20 garden bed I'd like to test seems to have differing compositions - one area is quite dry, more clumpy hard clay with almost no visible organic matter, another area is a wett-ish clay with improving texture, and a third area seems to have much more organic matter in it. Part of this is because the bed is on a hill.

Do I need to do separate tests for the garden sections that have differing soil, or just take samples from each section and use the results as an "average" ?

VirginiaClay · June 12, 2023

Virginia Tech does out-of-state soil testing; fees are at this link: https://www.soiltest.vt.edu/fees-and-forms.html

Maybe some other universities closer to you (neighboring states, maybe) also provide this service. Or check some of the other big agricultural universities around the country like Penn State, etc. Oregon State does out-of-state testing but you have to contact them first to make sure there are no biological threats from your area's soils.

Virginia Tech provides detailed sampling instructions, including how to decide which areas to sample and how many separate samples to submit. Go to this link and then click on "home gardener" at the bottom of the page to get a PDF with the instructions. https://www.soiltest.vt.edu/sampling-insttructions.html

It looks like the basic answer to your question is, if you have distinctly different soils in your garden, you shouldn't mix them together in one sample. They give some advice about how to decide which areas should be sampled separately.

PaulF · June 12, 2023

I agree to NOT mix the samples. Our University does not do soil samples either, but they do recommend several local soil labs. Here we have good labs that do basic soil testing for a low cost. Maybe your extension could give their recommended labs in your state. If not, most professional labs have an internet presence.

paradajky · June 12, 2023

Perfect, thank you!

I had no clue we could go out of state. The professional labs here start at $75 for a basic analysis, and adding on more details stacks that up to over $100. Multiplied by 4-5 samples (I have two other garden areas I'd like to test) and it's pricey.

Yak54 · June 12, 2023

I've used this Penn State soil test service for almost 20 yrs. The cost has increased slightly since I last used it and now it is $10.
https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrF...9_CER0CHBrTbg-

Dan

biscuitridge · June 12, 2023

I don't believe that you really need a soil sample, I've never had mine tested at either location that I've lived and have grown world record tomatoes at both locations! Start adding compost to get your biology going and do no- till and you'll be amazed at what you can grow.

June 12, 2023	#1
paradajky Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2021 Location: Coastal Southern CA Posts: 164	soil sampling questions Hi: My university extension center doesn't do soil samples, but instead provides a list of commercial groups that perform soil analysis for a fee (and it's kind of pricey). These vendors provide instructions for gathering a sample which includes collection from a few different sections of the garden. The specific 8x20 garden bed I'd like to test seems to have differing compositions - one area is quite dry, more clumpy hard clay with almost no visible organic matter, another area is a wett-ish clay with improving texture, and a third area seems to have much more organic matter in it. Part of this is because the bed is on a hill. Do I need to do separate tests for the garden sections that have differing soil, or just take samples from each section and use the results as an "average" ?

June 12, 2023	#3
PaulF Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Brownville, Ne Posts: 3,295	I agree to NOT mix the samples. Our University does not do soil samples either, but they do recommend several local soil labs. Here we have good labs that do basic soil testing for a low cost. Maybe your extension could give their recommended labs in your state. If not, most professional labs have an internet presence. __________________ there's two things money can't buy; true love and home grown tomatoes.

June 12, 2023	#5
Yak54 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2009 Location: Madison, OH, zone 6 Posts: 471	I've used this Penn State soil test service for almost 20 yrs. The cost has increased slightly since I last used it and now it is $10. https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrF...9_CER0CHBrTbg- Dan __________________ Dan

June 12, 2023	#2
VirginiaClay Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 139	Virginia Tech does out-of-state soil testing; fees are at this link: https://www.soiltest.vt.edu/fees-and-forms.html Maybe some other universities closer to you (neighboring states, maybe) also provide this service. Or check some of the other big agricultural universities around the country like Penn State, etc. Oregon State does out-of-state testing but you have to contact them first to make sure there are no biological threats from your area's soils. Virginia Tech provides detailed sampling instructions, including how to decide which areas to sample and how many separate samples to submit. Go to this link and then click on "home gardener" at the bottom of the page to get a PDF with the instructions. https://www.soiltest.vt.edu/sampling-insttructions.html It looks like the basic answer to your question is, if you have distinctly different soils in your garden, you shouldn't mix them together in one sample. They give some advice about how to decide which areas should be sampled separately.

June 12, 2023	#6
biscuitridge Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: washington Posts: 498	I don't believe that you really need a soil sample, I've never had mine tested at either location that I've lived and have grown world record tomatoes at both locations! Start adding compost to get your biology going and do no- till and you'll be amazed at what you can grow.