Testing soil can give information on the soil’s ability to supply nutrients for best plant growth, thereby providing a scientific basis for deciding if and how much lime and nutrients are needed.  Plants respond better to applications that are tailored to their needs rather than to general applications. Also, soil tests indicate when the applications are no longer needed.  This means a cost savings to you, and, of equal importance, it avoids needless nutrient applications that contribute to environmental pollution.  The saying “If one pound is good, two are better and three must be best” does not apply to fertilizer!  The information below will help you  in testing your soil.

• Sampling Lawn and Garden Soils for Soil Testing (Extension Publication A2166) (2 Pgs, 76 KB)
• Instruction for Submitting Samples
• Lawn and Garden Submission Form
• Fee Schedule
• Farm/Field Soil Testing
• Marshfield Lab