Routine Soil Analysis - Order Form for Home Grounds and Gardening To submit a sample to the lab, download the appropriate form and follow the sample collection guidelines provided. Complete the submission form and either mail or hand deliver to the lab. For help in deciding which test you want.
Before you order, please check our Turn-Around Time page to see what our current processing times are. Please also note that in busy seasons, the turn-around for your order may be longer than the turn-around times we are reporting at the time you place your order. We recommend that many customers get in the habit of testing in the late fall (annual crops, for planning spring amendments) or summer (turf, for planning early fall and early spring amendments) so that delays in processing can be avoided but results are still available when needed.
The fees on all order forms are per sample. Payment must accompany sample(s) submitted with checks or money order made payable to University of Massachusetts.
Please read Sampling Instructions for Routine Soil Analysis for detailed instructions on collecting a soil sample before collecting your sample.
One cup of dry soil per sample is needed for Routine Soil Analysis.
Note: When submission forms are opened with Adobe Reader or Acrobat, information may be typed in on the screen, then printed and sent to the lab.
The UMass Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Lab does not test for herbicides, pesticides, or contaminants other than the heavy metals listed on our Services page.
Attention UMass personnel: Recharge order forms that use a speedtype for electronic payment may be found here.
Soil Forms
The Routine Soil Analysis is not intended for greenhouse planting mixes or organic soils containing more than 20% organic matter. The Modified Morgan extraction method and recommendations were developed for New England soils and climate.
Routine Soil Analysis - Order Form for Home Grounds and Gardening | Análisis del Suelo de Rutina – Zonas Verdes y Huertas de Viviendas
Routine Soil Analysis - Order Form for Turf, Ornamentals and Landscaping
Routine Soil Analysis - Order Form for Commercial Vegetables and Fruits
Routine Soil Analysis - Order Form for Forage and Grain Crops
Order Form for Prepaid Soil Test Kits
Order Form for Soil Test Gift Kits (NEW for 2023 holiday season! More info.)
Note: If you are trying to diagnose a problem with your Routine Soil Analysis, it's a good idea to add on the optional testing (Organic Matter, Soluble Salts, and Nitrates). This information can be used to define the problem, and come up with solutions for improving conditions.
Particle Size Analysis Forms
Soil Texture - Order Form for Particle Size Analysis
Total Sorbed Metals Test Forms
The Total Sorbed Metals Test is intended for soil and other planting media. This method may not be appropriate for woody material, such as bark mulches. It is not intended for food.
Order Form for Total Sorbed Metals Test
Note: Selenium analysis is not currently available, so please do not check the Selenium box or pay the add-on fee.
Pre-sidedress Soil Nitrate Test Forms
Order Form for Pre-sidedress Soil Nitrate Test
**Note: To ensure the timely turnaround of your Pre-Sidedress Soil Nitrate Test, soils should be dropped off at the Soil Lab Office, Room 203 Paige Laboratory. If you cannot make the trip to the lab, please send your order via UPS or FedEx, and email us at soiltest[at]umass[dot]edu, and let us know when to expect your package. Please do not send via regular mail. Thank you!
Soilless Greenhouse Media Forms
Order Form for Greenhouse Media; Saturated Media Extract
Plant Tissue Nutrient Analysis Forms
This service has been restored effective March 2025. At this time, please email the lab directly for instructions soiltest[at]umass[dot]edu (soiltest[at]umass[dot]edu)
Carbon and Nitrogen Analysis
Effective March 2025, carbon and nitrogen analysis has been restored for plants and soil. For soil, we are offering organic and inorganic carbon fractionation upon request. At this time, please email the lab directly for instructions at soiltest[at]umass[dot]edu (soiltest[at]umass[dot]edu)
***All sample test results are confidential ***
For insect and disease diagnosis, please visit the UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab.
Updated 3/28/2025