Why Test Soil?
Here are five good reasons!
- Nutrient levels - Test results provide you with soil nutrient levels and fertilizer recommendations when needed.
- Soil Acidity - Soil pH and exchangeable acidity are measured for the determination of lime requirements.
- Environmental Protection - Test results identify areas with excess nutrients that can pollute local waterways.
- Economics - You buy soil amendments only when needed, avoiding unnecessary spending.
- Health - Soil testing can help protect you and your family by alerting you to elevated levels of lead or other toxic heavy metals.
Soil fertility tests do not identify plant growth problems associated with soil drainage, insects, plant diseases (whether soil-borne or not), weeds, winter injury or the misuse of pesticides.
When you can expect results:
We are operating at full capacity, typically operating within a 4 - 8 business day turn around time for routine soil fertility analysis. Particle size analysis is currently 10 - 12 business days. Total sorbed metals is currently 10 - 12 business days.
Please note: the lab will be temporarily closed for routine maintenance the week of December 15 - 19. Soil test gift kits will still be sent. We expect only minor delays sending out results.
What we can analyze:
We are currently accepting orders for all analyses listed on our services page. This includes routine soil fertility, soil organic matter nitrate, soluble salts, particle size analysis, saturated media, and total sorbed metals. We are offering soil total carbon, organic carbon, and inorganic carbon analysis. For plant tissue and soil carbon, please email the lab directly at soiltest[at]umass[dot]edu (soiltest[at]umass[dot]edu) for instructions.
How we can receive samples:
Mail. Most samples are mailed by USPS or other private carrier. All samples must be labeled and all orders must include a completed form listing all samples and full payment. Please see the order forms and sampling instructions at our Ordering Information and Forms page.
Drop-off. Samples cannot be dropped off inside of the laboratory. Orders must be dropped - no more than 6 samples per order - in the Drop Box on the outside of Paige Laboratory's ground floor (Google Map Directions). As with mailed samples, all Drop Box samples must be labeled and all orders must include a completed form listing each sample, and full payment. Please see the order forms and sampling instructions at our Ordering Information and Forms page. Please note that the Drop Box cannot handle large packages; the opening in similar to the size of a mailbox. Please package samples in the least bulky way possible.
Large Order Drop-Off. If you have 30 or more samples that you would like to bring in, email kyarrows[at]umext[dot]umass[dot]edu (subject: Drop-off%20of%2030%2B%20samples) (kyarrows[at]umext[dot]umass[dot]edu) to arrange a drop-off of your order during business hours.
Campus Orders. UMass Amherst departmental orders may be delivered to the lab via Campus Mail or by hand to Paige Lab with advance email confirmation of delivery instructions with kyarrows[at]umext[dot]umass[dot]edu (subject: Campus%20Department%20Order%20Drop-Off) (kyarrows[at]umext[dot]umass[dot]edu).